Legendary Playwright Shoaib Hashmi Passes Away

The veteran playwright had been suffering from prolonged illness.

Veteran playwright Shoaib Hashmi has passed away after a prolonged illness. The news of his demise was shared by Pakistan Television (PTV) through its official Twitter account on Monday afternoon.

Remembered for his iconic productions such as Akkar Bakkar, Sach Gup, Taal Matol, and Balila, Shoaib Hashmi was not just a legend of the showbiz industry, he was also recognized for his insightful and thought-provoking columns in famous newspapers such as The News and Gulf News.

Shoaib Hashmi, the husband of renowned artist and educationist Salima Hashmi, made significant contributions to the field of arts and academia. He held a Masters in Economics from Government College University Lahore and an MSc from the London School of Economics. Additionally, he pursued studies in theatre at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

Shoaib Hashmi’s contributions extended beyond television and journalism. He had a strong presence in the theater scene, writing extensively and translating books. Notable among his translations was “A Song for This Day“, a collection of 52 poems by his father-in-law, Faiz Ahmed Faiz. His wife, Salima Hashmi, illustrated the book, reflecting their shared passion for the arts.

Furthermore, recognizing the scarcity of playwrights and drama publications, Shoaib Hashmi undertook to translate English dramas for local theaters, enriching the theater landscape in Pakistan.

The passing of Shoaib Hashmi marks the end of an era for Pakistani theater and literature. His creative genius and commitment to his craft have left an indelible mark on the industry. His contributions will be remembered and cherished by generations to come.


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