Tribute to Zubaida Aapa: Her Death Leaves a Nation in Mourning

Renowned Pakistani celebrity, cooking expert, chef and television personality, Zubaida Tariq, affectionately called Zubaida Aapa by her fans, passed away yesterday at the age of 72.

The heart-wrenching news was confirmed by her brother, Anwar Maqsood, adding that she was unwell for quite some time. She was also suffering from Parkinson’s disease, which had an effect on many parts of her life.

The funeral prayers of legendary TV celebrity, who was famous for her handy culinary and housekeeping hints, will be performed at Sultan Mosque in the Karachi’s Defense area after the Friday prayers.

Zubaida Tariq achieved enormous fame doing culinary shows on TV and writing famous cookbooks. Her regular culinary “totkas” on various TV channels became so popular that Pakistanis gave her the title of Aapa – which means elder sister.

We take a look at her life, her showbiz career, and numerous other achievements as we remember her today.

Last Video Message – Wishing 2018

TV Debut

Zubaida Tariq made her TV debut in 1996 in her 50s. Her first cooking show — Dalda Ka Dastarkhwan — soon went viral and became a widely popular evening engagement for millions of TV viewers in Pakistan and abroad.

Aapa had nine siblings, including playwright Anwar Maqsood, author and poet Zehra Nigah, designer Sughra Kazmi, and the late Fatima Surraiya Bajiya — a drama writer.

Recent Interview

Zubaida was recently interviewed on a local news channel’s show “Hamare Mehman”.

TVCs

Zubaida Aapa appeared in several television commercials too.

Twitter Paid Tribute to Late TV Star

Everyone, from Pakistani politicians to showbiz stars and cricket players, was saddened by her passing. Some of them paid rich tributes to her on Twitter.

Sad to hear of the passing of Zubaida Apa – she introduced our rich culinary traditions to younger generations. She leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 5, 2018

Deeply saddened by the news of passing away of renowned chef & a great human being Zubaida Apa. She was a household name, thanks to her amazing expertise in cooking. May Allah Almighty bless her soul in peace and grant patience to her family!

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 4, 2018

Saddened to learn about Zubaida Apa's death. My deepest condolences to her brother Anwar Maqsood and her family. May Allah bless the departed soul

— Babar Awan (@BabarAwanPK) January 4, 2018

Grieved to hear of the demise of #ZubaidaApa
Prayers for her and her family.

A treasure trove of household tips and cooking, she leaves behind a gaping void. pic.twitter.com/aIqPfjG7M9

— Dr. Yasmin Rashid (@Dr_YasminRashid) January 4, 2018

Extremely sad to hear about the passing away of Zubaida Appa….prayers for the departed soul…a household motherly figure who will be missed a lot. #ZubaidaAapa

— Fakhr-e-Alam S.I & S.E (@falamb3) January 4, 2018

Known her since I was a little girl.. she was all heart, always. Rest In Peace Zubaida Khala.

— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) January 4, 2018

Zubaida Aapa u were such a motherly soul. Will always remember ur kindness, genuineness and simplicity.

May Allah grant her highest place in Jannah. Ameen pic.twitter.com/USu0d7zwa1

— Dr. Shaista Lodhi (@IamShaistaLodhi) January 4, 2018

Sad to hear of the passing of Zubaida Apa – she’s was most inspirational & loved personality ever may GOD bless her soul ..

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) January 5, 2018

Saddened to hear about Zubaida Apa.. still remember my mother watching her cooking shows and listening to apas totkas that always worked. May Allah grant her Jannah.

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) January 5, 2018

Personal Life

Zubaida Tariq was born on 4 April 1945 in Hyderabad Deccan, India. She got settled in Karachi when her family migrated to Pakistan in 1947.

Zubaida had five older sisters and 4 brothers. She got married to her first cousin Tariq Maqsood. She left two children, a daughter Saba Tariq and a son Hussain Tariq, behind her.