Industry veteran Abid Ali died at age 67 late last night on September 5th. The actor made his debut in Pakistan Television’s drama ‘Jhok Sial‘ in 1973.
The actor never looked back from there and moved on to be a director and producer, leaving behind a legacy that will live forever.
The Quetta native was born on March 29, 1952. As an adult, he joined Radio Pakistan driven by his love for the performing arts. He then moved to Lahore to try his luck in television.
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The industry veteran performed in a number of PTV classics like Khwahish and Suraj Ke Sath Sath. Even PTV works from the early 2000s like Mehndi feature the iconic actor.
His first production and direction venture was Dasht in 1993. His other acting ventures include Pinjra, Doosra Asman, Waqt, Dooriyan, Moorat, Ruksati, Khan Sahib, Daldal, Dil-e-Nadaan, Mera Rab Waris, Ramz-e-Ishq, etc.
He was awarded the ‘Pride of Performance’ in 1985 for his contribution to the industry. Abid Ali’s last role was the Eid release, Heer Maan Ja.
Here are some of his best works:
1. Waris
The 1979 drama serial launched Abid Ali into the spotlight. While his previous works did establish his acting caliber, it was his role as ‘Dilawar Khan‘ in Waris that made him an audience favorite.
The drama serial drew attention to the problem of Pakistan’s feudal set-up in the rural scene.
2. Jungle Ka Qanoon
This was isn’t Abid Ali’s first film. However, it is considered one of his finest.
Masood Butt directed Jungle Ka Qanoon (1995) and Safdar Khan produced the film. Jungle Ka Qanoon cast big names like Nadeem, Ghulam Mohiuddin, Sultan Rahi, and Humayun Qureshi.
Even though Abid Ali only had a supporting role, his potential shined through even back then.
3. Mehndi
This drama serial cast his real daughter Iman Ali as one of his reel-life daughters. The story follows four sisters into their married life.
During the course of the drama, we get to see how these close-knit sisters change drastically and so do their lives.
4. I Love You Bunty
This drama serial really brought out Saba Qamar’s actress prowess. She managed to hold the spotlight even with a titan like Abid Ali on-screen.
The serial follows a rich old man played by Abid Ali with a much younger wife, played by Saba Qamar
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5. Moorat
This serial saw Abid Ali play an intersex person, Reshma. The terms intersex and transgender are used interchangeably but the two are very distinct. The serial highlighted the struggles of non-cisgender people in our conservative society.
Reshma saves a young man from a family who want him to adhere to traditional and often toxic norms of masculinity.
6. Daldal
Another captivating serial centered around a social issue, Daldal focused on illegal migration abroad and the treatment of women in the brown community.
In the drama, Abid Ali’s character gives a hard time to Zahid Ahmed, an actor intent on pursuing diverse roles.
7. Tajdeed-e-Wafa
Abid Ali has always played beloved and endearing characters. Tajdeed-e-Wafa changed that. His role as a bitter, abusive husband proved his actress prowess even now.
Later in the drama, Abid Ali characterized how an old man mends his ways. That whole transformation was a treat to watch.
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8. Diyar-e-Dil
Another serial, another social issue. Diyar-e-Dil tackles exogamy and cousin marriages. The serial cast Abid Ali as an old fashioned man who upsets the lives of both of his sons just because of tradition (sounds like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum, but wait for it).
He later mends his ways to be a part of his grandchildren’s lives.
Do you have a favorite Abid Ali drama that you’re a fan of? Let us know in the comments below!
