Bollywood veteran Kader Khan passed away yesterday at the age of 81 years. It goes without saying, but the famous Pathan actor’s loss will be felt far and wide. In fact, his ancestral roots can be traced back to Pakistan.
For all those who are unaware, Kader Khan wasn’t an Indian-born Pathan. In fact he was Kabul born. His lineage can be traced back to Balochistan’s Pakhtuns.
Balochistan is predominately inhabited by Pakhtuns. How one ended up across the border is an intriguing prospect in itself. Let us find out how this famed actor and writer is connected to the Pakhtuns of Balochistan.
Kader Khan was the iconic smart alec father in all of Govinda’s films. He was also the most adorably annoying father ever.
Tracing Kader Khan’s Roots
Based on statements from members of his fraternity, as well as accounts in news articles, Kader is in fact a Kakar. Pakhtuns from the Kakar tribe originally hail from the southern Afghan province of Kandahar. Though Kakars who are indigenous to Quetta, also happen to belong to the Bazai tribe.
The chances of Kader being a Bazai Kaklar are slim though. An old resident of Quetta, Usman Qazi seconds that observation. It should be mentioned that Usman Qazi has enjoyed past associations with radio, TV, political and cultural activities, and has come across Kader from time to time.
Shahzad Kakar, a doctor based in Nottingham who also hails from the Kakar-dominated district of Pishin, also confirms that Kader is accepted and celebrated as one of their own. They know Kader Khan’s mother to be a Pishin Kakar.
“In fact it is common knowledge among the Kakars and Pakhtuns based in and around Quetta that the actor’s mother belonged to Pishin.”
Kader Khan once confirmed that fact in an interview with Shamshad TV.
“My mother belonged to Pishin and my father was from Kandahar and I am a Kakar by birth,”
That’s not all that can be traced from the comedy actor back to Pakistan. He had a cousin in Quetta Akbar Khan Kakar.
Akbar Khan Kakar hosted one of the most popular shows on Radio Pakistan, Quetta, called ‘Killi Walo Da Para (For the People of My Village).
The program’s characters Malak and Akhtarai propagated state policy in a fictional and conversational manner.
Maybe stardom runs in the family. We just know that the actor and writer is as iconic for his Kakar heritage as he is for roles in Govinda’s era of romantic comedies. He will truly be missed.
