Actor Yasir Hussain has talked about the recent posthumous Nishan-e-Imtiaz awarded to Qavi Khan, who passed away in March this year after a prolonged illness.
Hussain shared a screenshot of the award on Instagram and quoted lines from the celebrated poem ‘Hamesha Dair Kardeta Hoon’ by Muneer Niazi.
He also write that the Pakistani government should celebrate their actors while they are alive and acknowledge their contributions to the industry:
“You came late, but was necessary to happen. Celebrate the actors who are above 50 and acknowledge the contributions they have made. What will you do with keeping them to yourself?”
On Sunday night, Qavi Khan breathed his last, bringing an end to a long and celebrated career in film and television. The veteran actor who had been regarded as one of the most celebrated performers in the Pakistani entertainment industry, had acted in more than 200 films and dozens of drama serials. He was a fan favourite, gracing screens across the country for many decades in iconic dramas like ‘Aangan’ and ‘Ishq Jalebli’. Tributes are pouring in from celebrities and fans alike. Actors who had worked with Khan shared their grief on social media and also shed light on the experience they had while performing with him.
Actor Nadia Jamil shared a video clip of Khan and a picture of them together, remembering Khan for “his words, his kindness, his work, his talent and his heart.”
Heart broken There will never be another Qavi Sahab. His words, his kindness, his work, talent and his heart. To Allah we belong and to Allah we return. Love you Qavi Sahab. Our dream of Woking together again does with you. But you live on forever in your beautiful work!❤️ pic.twitter.com/kzHqnSdZbj
Actor Sophia Mirza shared a clip of her first drama serial with Khan, and praised him for being an “academy for actors.”
My first drama serial wth Qavi uncle was an amazing experience, he taught me how to act as I am not frm showbiz background,his teachings are never to be forgotten,he was an academy for actors.Wat a great actor/human being. U wil b missed #QaviKhan#RIP May Allah grant him jannat. pic.twitter.com/IuLA9HAGnQ
Actor Sami Khan sent a tribute to Khan as a ‘great human being’
Today we lost a legend. He was a great human being, a great actor. I learnt so much from you. I am lucky that I got the chance to share screen with you. May Allah bless you the best in heaven. Ameen. We will miss you Qavi uncle. #qavikhanpic.twitter.com/OznsdvRydP
Actor Adnan Siddiqui remembered Khan as someone whose ‘stature in the industry will remain unmatched’.
What a terrible news…Qavi Khan sahib’s stature in the industry will remain unmatched. For several of us, he was a living institution to learn not just acting but about life too. May Allah grant him highest place in jannah tul Firdous . Aameen pic.twitter.com/zezB1RR9gF
The internationally acclaimed film, I’ll Meet You There, has been banned by the Central Board of Film Censors of Pakistan (CBFC) for not displaying a true image of Pakistani and Muslim cultures.
Veteran actor Qavi Khan and Pakistan-British actor, Faran Tahir, who got famed for Iron Man are starring in the film.
The film was released in 2021 worldwide and it was set to release in Pakistan. However, CBFC did not issue a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) to the film.
While talking to The Express Tribune, the Senior officer said, “I’ll Meet You There was reviewed by the full board of CBFC, and after watching it was decided that the film is not suitable to be given NOC for a release in the country. There were several controversial topics and details that opposed our policy. The board unanimously agreed on a ban.“
The director of the film, Iram Parveen Bilal has recently given an interview to The Variety, and said in response, “I’ve been mulling over the decision by the Central Board of Film Censors, calling our film I’ll Meet You There a ‘negative image of Muslims.’ A film that was made with blood, sweat, and tears by a Muslim, financed by Muslims, and made in the face of a post 9/11 world and a Trump presidency; a film whose very purpose was to combat Islamophobia and to create a positive portrayal of Muslims. A film already released abroad and celebrated widely by the Muslim Pakistani diaspora and seen as a needed and humanised representation of our people. How could that intention be reframed so oppositely and so negatively?”
Tahir has also shown disappointment over the banning of the film. He emphasised that Pakistanis living abroad are labeled as ‘‘not reflecting true Pakistani culture.’ They represent their country with pride and love however our own people hurt us.
He said, “It is disheartening, disappointing, and shameful that issues that Pakistani ex-pats face in their lives are trivialized and labeled as ‘not reflecting true Pakistani culture.’ We, Pakistanis, represent our country with love and pride every day while living in foreign lands. We do this to support our families and loved ones. We do this to support our country financially and in every other way. We do this with nothing but love for our country and yet to be cast aside by our very own is deeply hurtful.“
The film portrays a modern and moving portrait of three generations of a Muslim-American family. Faran Tahir is playing the character of a cop, Majeed, and his teenage daughter, Dua who is portraying the role of a gifted ballerina. Their life changed when Majeed’s father unexpectedly visited their home from Pakistan.
Sharing a picture of himself with Qavi from the sets of an upcoming project, Khan said: “Recently had the honour to spend some quality time with this great man.”
“His perseverance and dedication have always been beyond inspirational,” said Junaid. “A true benchmark for us in terms of performance and patience. His level of patience and his humility while on set or off-set has always inspired me.”
The actor added: “May he always continue blessing us with his skills and his love.”
Junaid is currently being praised for his performance in Geo Entertainment’s Khuda aur Mohabbat 3, while Qavi Sahab is winning hearts with his performance in Ishq Jalebi.
Following the deaths of legends Sabiha Khanum and Tariq Aziz, Farhan Saeed has taken the initiative to celebrate and honour the living legends of Pakistan. The actor-singer also requested his followers to join him in honouring them for their services to the country.
“2020 has been revelatory for so many reasons. A pandemic has pushed the world to its limits. Racial differences have sparked outrage and so many revered innocent souls have left us,” said the singer.
Remembering those who passed away, Farhan said, “In this uncertain age, we Pakistanis must not waste time in appreciating the Living Legends among us.”
He added: “I wish to honour their lives and cherish their presence among us, and I wish to express gratitude for sharing this world with someone of their stature.”
Please support me in my humble attempt to celebrate Pak’s #LivingLegends – those who have selflessly served our country. I invite you to be part of my ode to their excellence and unmatched dedication and join me in saying thank you to them for all they have done #PakistaniHeroespic.twitter.com/UCZeFbbNXd
Saeed has so far honoured four legends including Qavi Khan, Javed Miandad, Abida Parveen and Umer Sharif.
Writing about Qavi Khan, Farhan said: “As my first tribute to the #LivingLegends of Pakistan, I pay homage to Qavi Khan sahab, the legendary actor par excellence who has been serving the country since 1952.”
“I recently had the privilege of sharing the screen with him – both on television as well as in a film. Anyone who has worked with Qavi sahab would know his demeanour only commands the utmost respect. He is an institution,” he continued.
Farhan added: “He motivates younger actors by encouraging them to push the bar with each performance. To encourage us, Qavi sahab always tells us, we are better at what we do than his generation was. His wealth of experience is a guide book for those who have only just recently joined the industry.”
Celebrating the #LivingLegend that is Qavi Khan – an institution in his own right and an inspiration for us all!
Next Farhan, celebrated Abida Parveen, whose soulful voice has touched hearts across the world.
“Abida Parveen is globally recognised as an iconic representation of the Sufi genre. Her soul-stirring voice and melodies have long had listeners across the globe in absolute awe,” wrote the singer, adding: “As a person, Abida Ji embodies the very essence of Sufism. The few times I have had a chance to meet with her, I have witnessed first hand her absolute humility and respect for others.”
“Abida Ji is undoubtedly a source of pride and inspiration for every Pakistani. She has paved the way for generations to come and pursue their journey. I too take inspiration from her unmatched passion – her work has always been a major source of inspiration and motivation for me.”
Farhan then paid a rich tribute to comedian Umer Sharif, describing him as “an absolute showman for whom no specific place or audience is required to exhibit the versatility of his craft. He will undoubted have you laughing hysterically, anywhere and everywhere you meet him.”
“I can’t forget his very gracious advice: “Yeh log hain, tou hum hain – inko kabhi inkaar nahi karna“. His words have since been etched in my memory,” said Saeed.
Join me in celebrating the artist par excellence, the unmatched, Umer Sharif.
Farhan’s latest tribute was to “legendary cricketer extraordinaire – the one and only, Javed Miandad sahab“.
“I am grateful for the privilege of knowing Javed sahab off the pitch. He is friends with an uncle and is undoubtedly one of the most down to earth human beings I have known. He is a true friend and showers love and affection upon everyone around him,” said Farhan.
“Javed sahab, aap sada khush rahain, salaamat rahain, aabaad rahain. Pakistan kay liyay aap ki khidmaat ka bayhad shukriya.”
Earlier, Yasir Hussain and Shaan also honoured legends and thanked them for their services.
#Letsbringourprideback#PTV Qawee Khan sb such brilliance in his craft , and such humbleness in his personality. an institution from whom one can learn so much . We are indeed in your debt for your endless entertainment and services to the nation ❤️ #muchrespectsirpic.twitter.com/puzkXJ0nMz
