LAHORE: Considered one of the most stylish television actors of his time, Talat Iqbal died in the United States on Friday.

The star of several memorable PTV plays, Iqbal was suffering from multiple ailments and the recent death of his daughter Sarah had left him shaken. He was on a ventilator in a hospital.

Iqbal and his wife Sumbal, also a noted actress, were a hugely popular couple on and off screen. Born in Karachi, the actor started his career with Radio Pakistan in 1968. He then moved to the mini-screen and acted in unforgettable PTV dramas such as Shikast-i-Aarzu, Do Dooni Paanch, Aakhri Chataan, Aabgeenay, Kaif-i-Baharan, Karvaan and Ab Dekh Khuda Kya Karta Hai. He played key roles in several dramas through the 1970s and ’80s and starred in quite a few films.

Talat worked in many unforgettable dramas

The popular actor moved to Dallas, Texas, with his family in 1999 but kept visiting Pakistan frequently. The recent death of his daughter, Sarah, had left him in a state of shock and affected his health drastically. Earlier in 2014, he lost his wife to cancer.

Punjab Culture Minister Khayal Ahmed Kastro expressed grief over the actor’s demise and extended condolences to the bereaved family. In his message, the minister called Talat Iqbal an outstanding actor whose fans have not forgotten his dramas even today.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar also expres­sed condolences to the family. “Talat Iqbal was a versatile and experienced actor,” the CM commented.

Social media was also brimming with condolence messages for the late actor. Former producer Ayub Khawar recalled the days when he was working as an associate to PTV producer Qasim Jalali and Iqbal was a wonderful addition to the actor fraternity.

He was also popular among his peers because of his pleasant nature and smiling face.

Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2021