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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
Miandad, later, thanked Farhan for his efforts.
Earlier, Yasir Hussain and Shaan also honoured legends and thanked them for their services.
