Arts Council holds condolence reference for filmmaker Furqan T Siddiqui

The Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, (ACP) on Tuesday organised a condolence reference in memory of filmmaker, director and digital media professional Furqan T Siddiqui at the Haseena Moin Hall.

The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by heartfelt tributes from different showbiz personalities.

ACP President Mohammad Ahmed Shah recalled his deep bond with Qureshi describing him as an affectionate, sincere, and multi-talented individual. "Even today, it feels as if Furqan is still among us. His departure has left a significant void in the industry. He had a remarkable ability to connect people and maintained a close relationship with the Arts Council," he said, assuring that the ACP and its governing body stood in solidarity with the late filmmaker’s family during the time of grief.

Amjad Hussain Shah, the chairman of the ACP music committee, shared that Qureshi was a genuine soul who was always smiling and caring for others while concealing his own struggles. "His loss is not just a personal loss for his family, but a collective loss for all of us," he added.

Actor and host Nadeem Jaffri lamented that ours was a thankless society that waited for artists to die before it acknowledged their worth.

Jibran T Siddiqui recalled Qureshi’s association with the ACP and his love for Karachi, saying, "The city ran through his veins. He entered the media industry at a young age through PTV and quickly proved his talent. The night of March 24 remains unforgettable. He taught us that the real purpose of life is to serve others."

Actor Kamran Jilani emotionally remarked that he felt as if Qureshi would walk out of the picture any moment. “He did so much for the industry and his friends, but unfortunately, the industry did not do justice to him," he said.

Sohail Hashmi praised Qureshi’s artistic excellence, saying, "He had a rare ability to make everyone feel like family."

Renowned actors Syed Shehzad Raza Naqvi and Adnan Shah Tipu also attended the event.

The event was hosted by Iqbal Latif.