Talat Hussain

Talat Hussain Warsi (18 September 1942 – 26 May 2024) was a Pakistani actor and radio host.

The son of Shaista Begum, who was one of the pioneering voices of Radio Pakistan, he was called "the Pakistani Laurence Olivier" for his versatility and his later role as mentor to other actors.

Early life and education Talat Hussain was born in Delhi, British India on 18 September 1942, his parents moving to Karachi soon after the partition, where his mother Shaista Begum joined Radio Pakistan as a broadcaster.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Islamia College and in 1972 he enrolled in the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.

He was also the director of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi's theatre department.

Qur'anic narration In the 1980s he recorded a narration of a translation of the Qur'an in Urdu, which remains popular.

Personal life Hussain was married to Rakhshanda Hussain, a professor of psychology at the University of Karachi. They had three children, two daughters and one son: Tazeen, the eldest daughter, was a television actress before quitting after her wedding, while younger daughter Roohaina, has a few television plays to her credit.

Legacy and tributes Talat Hussain's career was recorded by the author Huma Mir in the book Yeh Hain Talat Hussain. In 2014, tributes were paid to him at an event at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, by many television personalities, including playwright Haseena Moin, veteran TV actor/playwright of Alif Noon (1982) fame; Kamal Ahmed Rizvi; journalist Mazhar Abbas; and veteran TV actor Qazi Wajid.

Selected filmography

Television serials

Films Chiragh Jalta Raha (1962) Ishara (1969 - written, produced and directed by Waheed Murad) Insan aur Aadmi (1970) Import-Eksport (2005 Norwegian film) (2017)

Stage Andhera Ujala Raz o Niaz Guriya Ghar Lao Tau Qatalnama Mera Sufaid Khoon Khalid Ki Khala Jo Chalay To Jaan Sey Guzar Gayey

Awards and nominations Pride of Performance Award (1982). Best Actor Gumnan, National Film Awards (1985). Nigar Award in 1986 for Best Supporting Actor in film Miss Bangkok (1986) Amanda Award (2006) Best Supporting Actor in Norwegian film – Import Eksport (2005).

Lux Style Awards