Qazi Wajid remembered

Glowing tributes were showered on the late TV superstar Qazi Wajid, who died in February, at the Karachi Arts Council on Friday evening.

Former TV official and current Arts Council personality Iqbal Lateef, in reminiscing about Wajid in the most sentimental of manner, traced his association with him from the Radio Pakistan days, especially children’s programme Naunehal. He also mentioned the vintage, satirical TV play of the 1970s, Taleem-e-Balighan.

Vocalist Salman Alvi narrated his association with the departed artiste from Radio Pakistan and later PTV. “He was just like an elder brother to me,” said Alvi. He spoke very tenderly of Wajid and praised his loving nature and his temperament.

Former TV producer Ishrat Ansari narrated his association with Wajid from 1969 TV serial “Khuda Ki Basti”, and praised his professionalism and his caring attitude towards his colleagues.

Noted TV playwright Hasina Moin said, “Qazi Wajid treated us all like one large single family. He was a really good person. Never ever heard him backbite people.” Another former associate of Wajid said, “He may be gone but the values he imparted us will be with us for life.”

Arts Counil President Syed Ahmed Shah lauded Wajid’s intellectual prowess and professionalism. He hoped that the young generation would inculcate values bequeathed by him. Television star Talat Hussain, reminiscing about Wajid, said, “He was immersed in culture and sophistication and was a very good poet.”

Another TV star of yesteryear, Munawwar Saeed, narrated his long association with Qazi and pointed out many of the features about him. He talked very highly of Qazi’s loving nature and his altruistic stance towards his colleagues. Another TV/film star of yesteryear, Ghulam Mohyuddin, said, “Qazi Wajid was a role model. We should highlight role models at the national level.”