ith the demise of Talat Hussain, Pakistan has lost one of the last great artists of his generation. Born Talat Hussain Warsi on September 18, 1940, in Delhi, he is survived by his wife and three children. He leaves behind and a plethora of work spanning over decades. He was renowned for his precise delivery and expert use of pauses to enhance dialogue.

After migrating during the partition, his mother, Shaista Begum, became a prominent voice for Radio Pakistan in Karachi, likely influencing his interest in the performing arts. He himself started working at an early age. He got his first major role in the 1962 classic Chiragh Jalta Raha, which highlighted how politicians abused the system. The and was opened by Fatima Jinnah.

Following his film debut, Hussain began working at Radio Pakistan. By the time he started working on Pakistan Television, the state-owned broadcaster, in 1976, he already had an international film (Malkoço lu Ölüm Fedaileri) under his belt. He impressed audiences with his talent and versatility, but as he said, he wanted to formally learn the craft. For this, he joined the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in 1972.

During his stay in England, he worked for TV and radio. His experience and performances during this time led him to work on many international projects, including the 1989 Indian film Souten Ki Beti, followed by the British TV series Traffik (1989), Family Pride (1991) and appearances in shows like It Ain’t Half Hot Mum (1975), Crown Court (1976), Mitch (1984), Northern Crescent (1992) and The Bill (1992) among others.

In the 1998 film Jinnah, he played a refugee. In one of the iconic scenes of the movie, one sees a passionate Talat Hussain initiating the chants of Quaid-i-Azam Zindabad after having a dialogue with Jinnah.

Whether it was a serious role or playing Nawab Sahib in Nadan Nadia, his powerful performances established him as one of the most widely recognised artists (and voices) in the country.

A testament to his global reach, Hussain won the Amanda Award for Best Supporting Actor in the Norwegian film Import-Export (2005). On the domestic front, his memorable films include Ishara, Zar Gul, Qurbani, Gumnaam, Kamyabi, Laaj, Actor in Law and Project Ghazi. He won a Nigar Award in 1986 for Best Supporting Actor in the film Miss Bangkok.

On the domestic front, he had lead roles in various drama serials. Some of his notable performances were in Kashkol, Aansoo, Bandish, Karwaan, Hawain, Des Pardes, Thori Khushi Thora Gham, The Castle, Aik Umeed and Parchaiyan, with 2023 Na Tumhain Khabar Na Humien Khabar was his last televised project.

Whether it was a serious role or playing Nawab Sahib in Nadan Nadia, his powerful performances established him as one of the most widely recognised artists (and voices) in the country. His voice was probably the only one that came close to the late Zia Mohyeddin’s, instantly recognisable and commanding attention.

Beyond television and film, Hussain was actively involved in theatre productions. He wanted not only to perform but also to share his experience and learning to the next generation. For this, he joined the National Academy of Performing Arts. He was also involved with the Arts Council of Pakistan’s theatre department. He was awarded the Pride of Performance Award in 1982, followed by the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2021.

In 2012, he contracted a skin disease. Mistreatment made it difficult for him to “talk, let alone sit or walk” for some time. For the last couple of years, he was suffering from dementia, often forgetting whom he was talking to.

A video shared recently by Faisal Qureshi shows him complimenting the younger actor. He seems, however, to not remember who he it is. Dr Huma’s book Yeh Hain Talat Hussain provides some insights into his life and work. His daughter, Tazeen Hussain, an actor herself, used to share updates about him on her Instagram. That is where she announced his passing early in the early morning on May 26. Talat Hussain, a legendary and versatile performer who excelled in various artistic mediums, has left behind a rich legacy.

The writer is a digital communication expert and consultant currently working in the public sector. He is the mastermind behind the digital platforms, Sukhan, Mani’s Cricket Myths and Over The Line