Ghayyur Akhtar (), (5 October 1945 – 7 February 2014) was a radio, television, film and theater actor. He also worked as a writer, director and producer.
He is best known for playing a role in the television serial '' Sona Chandi'' (1982).
Early life and education
Akhtar was born on 5 October 1945 in
Lahore
Lahore ( ; ; ) is the capital and largest city of the Administrative units of Pakistan, Pakistani province of Punjab, Pakistan, Punjab. It is the List of cities in Pakistan by population, second-largest city in Pakistan, after Karachi, and ...
,
British India
The provinces of India, earlier presidencies of British India and still earlier, presidency towns, were the administrative divisions of British governance in South Asia. Collectively, they have been called British India. In one form or another ...
. He received his
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts (abbreviated B.A., BA, A.B. or AB; from the Latin ', ', or ') is the holder of a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate program in the liberal arts, or, in some cases, other disciplines. A Bachelor of Arts deg ...
degree from the
University of the Punjab
The University of the Punjab (UoP) is a public university, public research university in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, Punjab, Pakistan. Founded in 1882, its international influence has made it one of the most prestigious universities in South As ...
in Lahore.
His younger brother Zill-e-Subhan was also an actor.
Career
He began his acting career in the 1970s with
Radio Pakistan
The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (); also known as ''Radio Pakistan'', serves as the national public broadcaster for radio in Pakistan. Although some local stations predate its founding, it is the oldest existing broadcasting network in P ...
.
He was known as "Hameed Bhai (O Ho Ho Ho)" from his performance on the television serial '' Sona Chandi'' and ''Chacha Barkat'' from
Radio Pakistan
The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (); also known as ''Radio Pakistan'', serves as the national public broadcaster for radio in Pakistan. Although some local stations predate its founding, it is the oldest existing broadcasting network in P ...
because of his "O Ho Ho Ho" dialogue.
He shifted his career to television in the 1980s and appeared on PTV classic serials like '' Sona Chandi'', '' Khawaja and Son'', '' Waris'' and soaps like ''
Ainak Wala Jin
Ainak Wala Jin (, English: ''Spectacled Genie'') is a Pakistani children's television series produced and broadcast by PTV Lahore from 1993 to 1996 and again from 2005 to 2008.
He also appeared in mainstream cinema in ''Direct Hawaldar'' (1985), but television drama remained his major field.
He also appeared on the Din News political talk show ''Wah Wah'' as a Chaudary for over a year.
Death
Akhtar died on 7 February 2014 in Lahore at age 68, after prolonged illness and was laid to rest at Mian Mir Graveyard in the city.
Legacy and recognition
In recognition of his services in media, writer and columnist Munnu Bhai wrote two columns called ''Gir-e-Baan'' in his honour.
Akhtar was decorated with a
Pride of Performance
The Pride of Performance (), officially known as the Presidential Pride of Performance, is an award bestowed by the Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Pakistan to recognize people with "notable achievements in the field of art, science, literature, sp ...
Pride of Performance
The Pride of Performance (), officially known as the Presidential Pride of Performance, is an award bestowed by the Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Pakistan to recognize people with "notable achievements in the field of art, science, literature, sp ...
Award by the
President of Pakistan
The president of Pakistan () is the head of state of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The president is the nominal head of the executive and the supreme commander of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
in 2009
* Tamgha-e-Imtiaz Award in 2003
* Graduate Award [Two times each from
Radio Pakistan
The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (); also known as ''Radio Pakistan'', serves as the national public broadcaster for radio in Pakistan. Although some local stations predate its founding, it is the oldest existing broadcasting network in P ...
(1990–91) and TV(1986–87)]
* Graduate Award (2001–02,
Radio Pakistan
The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (); also known as ''Radio Pakistan'', serves as the national public broadcaster for radio in Pakistan. Although some local stations predate its founding, it is the oldest existing broadcasting network in P ...
)
* Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (1999–2000, Organized by Radio)
* PTV Regional Award for Drama Artist (2002–2003).
* Asian Award (1993–94, PTV)
* Musawar Award (1991–92, PTV)
* Bahoo Award (1993–94, PTV)
* Shezan Award (1994–95, PTV)