It filled you with a strange feeling of pleasure tinged with sadness. The other day an episodic re-run of yesteryear classic Aangan Terha was shown on PTV. Watching the incomparable and inimitable Saleem Nasir playing the colourful and witty character of Akbar was a pure audio-visual treat.

Today’s actors, particularly those who are seen on the idiot box on a daily basis, can (if they want) learn a lot from the artistic acumen with which the late actor performed in that play. His mannerisms, his diction laced with acerbic wit, his facial expressions all proved what a master actor Saleem Nasir was. In fact it won’t be unfair to assume (now that you have the wisdom of hindsight) that if you take the brilliant SN out of the equation, Aangan Terha might not seem that much zingy and fun. Just a thought.