News of the demise of Tahira Wasti, one of the most respected and celebrated character actresses of Pakistan Television who passed away on March 11 at the age of 68, came totally unexpected last week.

Tahira and her husband Rizwan Wasti (who died in 2011) made an elegant TV couple and appeared in a number of drama series and serials. Both began their showbiz careers as newscasters. Subsequently they started working in TV plays and gained success.

Tahira Wasti’s close-to-life portrayal of a woman called Najmus Sahar in the critically-acclaimed drama serial, Afshaan, was a top-notch work of acting. She also did remarkably well in successful serials Aakhri Chatan, Kashkol and Jangloos.

Tahira Wasti leaves behind a son and daughter, Laila Wasti, who is also a TV artiste.