Talat Hussain, one of Pakistan's most accomplished and celebrated actors, died on Sunday at a private hospital here following a prolonged illness. He was 83.
A radio, TV, theatre, and cinema veteran, Hussain was known for serials such as Bandish, Karwaan, Hawain, and Parchaiyan as well as movies Chiragh Jalta Raha, Gumnaam, Actor in Law, and Indian film Sauten Ki Beti.
Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi President Ahmed Shah confirmed the news of Hussain's death, adding that the actor had long been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Karachi.
"An acclaimed actor like Talat Hussain is born after centuries," he said.
Delhi-born Hussain was famous for his baritone voice and unique acting style, which also won him the Pride of Performance award, the highest national literary award of Pakistan confers upon its citizens, in 1982, and Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the third-highest honour and civilian award in the country, in 2021.
Tributes and condolences poured in from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, provincial chief ministers, and other notable personalities who said a legend of Pakistan's entertainment industry had passed away.
"His services to the Pakistani television, theatre, film, and radio will always be remembered. The vacuum left by his death can never be fulfilled," said premier Sharif.
Actor Adnan Siddiqui said Hussain's passing feels like a personal loss.
"He was there not as a co-actor but guiding force when I did my first ever play, Khwabon Ki Zanjir. Another of the greats gone (sic)" Siddiqui wrote on X.
"Pakistan’s legendary Actor Talat Hussain has passed away in #Karachi. Inna lilllahe wa inna ilaehe rajioon. He was an actor par excellence and an institution. You will be missed Talat sb (sic)" said filmmaker Furqan T. Siddiqui on the microblogging site.
Hussain, who began working in 1960 on the state-owned PTV channel, studied at the famed London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). He also worked for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in London for some time.
In 2006, he received the Amanda Award, also known as the Scandinavian Oscar, for the Norwegian film Import-Eksport, and Nigar Award in 1986 for best supporting actor in the film Miss Bangkok.
According to Pakistani media, Hussain is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
Raj Kundra names Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia in £5.6m Bollywood fraud probe Getty Images 
Raj Kundra grilled over £5.6m fraud, links Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia to paymentsGetty Images
Bollywood fraud case: Raj Kundra under scrutiny as Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia payments emergeGetty Images
Raj Kundra tells police £5.6m fraud funds went to Bipasha Basu and Neha DhupiaGetty Images
Robert Redford dies at 89 leaving behind a Hollywood and Sundance legacy Getty Images 
Robert Redford dies at 89 remembered for Butch Cassidy and SundanceGetty Images
Robert Redford dies at 89 as Sundance pioneer and Oscar winnerGetty Images
U.S. President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Robert Redford Getty Images
Robert Redford dies at 89 as Hollywood pays tribute to a cinema giantGetty Images 
‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ trailer sparks festive wedding chaos with Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor Instagram/
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift at Amerant Bank Arena on June 12 2025 Getty Images 
Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift and Jason Kelce watch during the first half of the game on August 28, 2025 in Kansas CityGetty Images