PESHAWAR: Speakers at an event here the other day paid glowing tributes to legendary actor Mohammad Qavi Khan and termed him a versatile artist and noble human being.

They said that multifaceted Qavi Khan contributed immensely to radio, TV, theatre and film. The actor had died at 80 of liver cancer in Canada on March 6, 2023.

The event was arranged under the auspices of ‘Green Sky Entertainment’ (GSE), a private organisation, at a local hotel here on Tuesday. Local artists, literati and fans attended the event in a large number.

Veteran artist Usman Pirzada was chief guest on the occasion while playwright Khalilur Rahman Qamar presided over the event. Guest artists including Rashid Mahmood, Khalid Butt, Anjum, Zulqarnain Haider and Batin Farooqi paid rich tributes to the late actor.

Speakers advise young artists to learn from his talent and devotion

Mr Pirzada said that late Qavi Khan launched his acting career from Radio Pakistan Peshawar as a child star in 1952 and switched over to Pakistan Television when it was put on air in 1964 from PTV Lahore Centre where he became one of the pioneering stars, though he had earlier performed in his debut theatre play titled ‘Daghabaz’ in 1961.

Khalid Khan Khattak, a noted TV artist, presented a biographical introduction to the legendary actor. Born in 1942 to Yousafzai Pakhtun tribe, the family of Qavi Khan shifted to Lahore in 1965.

He settled down there to pursue his acting career with his great interest. After graduation, he served in a local bank briefly but his passion for acting was exemplary.

“Qavi Khan had the opportunity to join Urdu film industry. He performed in more than 200 movies and about 1,000 Urdu drama serials. Popular Urdu TV play ‘Undhera Ujala’ shot him to unprecedented fame,” said Mr Khattak.

Qavi Khan was recipient of numerous commendation certificates and awards including the President’s Pride of Performance award, Sitara-i- Imtiaz and Nishan-i-Pakistan in recognition of his huge contributions.

Khalilur Rahman Qamar said that in early 80s, Qavi Khan started producing and directing films and even excelled in it with bringing out quality stuff with his clear vision and professional spirit as he was a born talent.

Prof Nasir Ali Syed said that Qavi Khan was a noble human being in addition to his acting qualifies. He said that he would behave as if he was a close family member. He said that the void created by his death would take long to fill. He added that young artists should learn from such personalities, their experience, talent and devotion to contribute to the society at large.

Earlier, a documentary was shown at the event in which Adnan Qavi, son of Qavi Khan, talked about his legendary father.

Canada-based artist Ishtiaq Sistani, Iffat Siddqui, Irum Sahar and Bushra Farrukh also spoke at the event.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2023