Izhar Qazi

Izhar Qazi (16 September 1957 – 23 December 2007) was a Pakistani actor and singer. His most famous films were Love in Nepal, Aalmi Jasoos, Khazana, and Sarkata Insaan. He was a two-time recipient of the Nigar award. Most of his films were in Urdu and Punjabi. He was also a singer; he recorded a studio album, Zara Aake Dekho To, that was re-released by EMI Pakistan in 2014.

Early life and education

Qazi was born in Khadda Market, Karachi. He began his professional career as an engineer at the Pakistan Steel Mills.^[1]

Career

Television roles (early 1980s)

He was introduced to television drama writer Fatima Surayya Bajia by his manager, Syed Abdul Munim.^[1] Bajia was looking for a new face for television, and Qazi's resemblance to Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan immediately caught her attention.^[1][2] She invited him to audition and he made his acting and television debut in 1982, starring in the family drama Ana.^[1] He appeared as the romantic lead alongside Mehreen Ilahi, Shakeel, and Ghazala Kaifee.^[2] He later appeared in the serials Daira and Gardish with Shakeel and Saqi.^[2]

Leading film roles in Urdu and Punjabi cinema (mid-1980s to mid-1990s)

After achieving television success, Qazi transitioned into the Lollywood film industry in 1986. His film debut as the lead role in Nazar Shabab's Ruby, alongside Mustafa Qureshi, Shafi Mohammad, Sabeeta, and Rangeela. The film was met with critical acclaim.^[1][2] Qazi's role in the film was also notable because Jawed Sheikh had originally been cast for the lead role, but quit to travel to India with his then wife Salma Agha.^[2] Around the same time, Shiekh had also been cast in the film Bangkok Ke Chor. Director Jan Mohammad fired Shiekh and awarded the role to Qazi.^[2] Qazi's collaborations with Jan Muhammad included popular films including Manila Ki Bijlyan, Roop Ki Rani, and Choron Ka Baadshah.^[2] He also teamed up with Sultan Rahi in Punjabi films.^[2]

Last years

Qazi retired from the film industry in 2003. His last acting role was in the series Pani Pe Naam, which aired on PTV.^[1][3] He was dismayed by the poor quality of Lollywood films and local film industry politics.^[4] He then concentrated on his real estate business.^[4]

Personal life

Qazi had four daughters and a son.^[4] He was active in several literary organizations.^[2]

On 23 December 2007, he suffered a heart attack while singing at the wedding of his sister-in-law in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi.^[5][6] He died at a local hospital later the same day.^[6] He was buried at Model Colony graveyard.^[7]

Awards and recognition

Qazi was nominated for Best Actor at the Lux Style Awards in 2004 for her performance in Paani Pe Naam.^[1][3] He also won the Graduate Award and Bolan Award.^[6] He was awarded Nigar Awards for his performances in Sakhi baadshan and Bakhtawar.^[1][2] He also received the National Award for best actor for his role in Masood Butt's Chiragh Bali.^[2]

Filmography

Films

Television

Discography

Studio album

• Zara Aake Dekho To (EMI Pakistan, 2014)

See also

• List of Lollywood actors

References

1. ^ "A disheartened thespian bows out". 2007-12-30. Archived from the original on 2009-04-25. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
2. ^ "2007 takes away Izhar Qazi as well", Akhbar-e-Jehan, 2007-02-02, p. 60, archived from the original on 2009-04-24, retrieved 2008-11-30
3. ^ Sohaib Ahmed. "Lux Style Awards on October 3". Daily Times. Archived from the original on 2009-04-24. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
4. ^ "KARACHI: Actor Izhar Qazi passes away - Newspaper - DAWN.COM". 25 December 2007. Archived 17 September 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 30 November 2008.
5. ^ "Renowned actor Izhar Qazi dies". PakTribune. 25 December 2007. Archived from the original on 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
6. ^ "The News International: Latest News Breaking, Pakistan News". Archived 2023-03-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2008-11-30. awards
7. ^ "Renowned actor Izhar Qazi dies". Archived 2009-04-25 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2008-11-30.

External links

• Izhar Qazi at IMDb
• The seen and unseen facets of Izhar Qazi
• Sind governor condoles the death of Izhar Qazi