Legendary Pakistani actor and comedian Ismail Tara passed away at the age of 73 on Thursday due to kidney failure after a brief stay in the hospital, his family confirmed.
According to news reports, he has been admitted to a private hospital in Karachi for the last three days due to some health complications. He was put on a ventilator after his health deteriorated. His funeral prayers were offered at Pahari Masjid, on Shaheed-i-Millat Road in Karachi after Friday prayers.
Born in Karachi in 1949, the versatile actor had a prolific career on stage and television. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and four sons.
He started working in film and television in 1964 up until his death. The comedian rose to fame with his iconic role in comedy show Fifty Fifiy. His dance on One Way Ticket while cleaning a tawa is a golden memory. Tara. along with fellow artist Majid Jehangir, became the most popular comedy duo due to Fifty-Fifty.
He also wrote some scripts for the popular television show after Anwar Maqsood, the original scriptwriter, had a fallout with the director in 1981.
He later worked in many stage plays, television dramas and Pakistani films. He won Nigar Awards for best comedian five times, for his work in Haathi Mere Saathi, Aakhri Mujra, Munda Bigra Jaye, Chief Sahib and Deewarein.
As the news of his demise started circulated on social media, politicians, journalists and celebrities offered their condolences for the actor:
Pakistani Sitara – Ismail Tara has left us. May ALLAH rest his soul in peace. Ismail Tara brought smile on hundreds of thousands of faces. His brilliance made Shoaib Mansoor’s “Fifty Fifty” an unforgettable show from our childhood. pic.twitter.com/tr2EbgL7Gq
— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) November 24, 2022
Brilliant comedian and actor Ismail Tara is no more. He was a core constant in the classic PTV skit show 50-50 (1979-84). He excelled in playing common, everyday people from across classes and ethnic groups. His first real burst of fame came from 50-50. What a talent he was. RIP. pic.twitter.com/KmFBBmCFZB
— Nadeem Farooq Paracha (@NadeemfParacha) November 24, 2022
My Dearest Friend & A Legend Comedian Ismail Tara Passed Away Today In Karachi May Allah Grant Him A Higher Place In Jannah.Ameen pic.twitter.com/smCgkLiFd3
— Jawed Sheikh (@iamjawedsheikh) November 24, 2022
Ismail Tara Sahib…Can’t believe he’s passed away. He was a comedic genius. We r ever grateful to him for making our lives joyful through his humour.
My heartfelt condolences…إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعون
May Allah SWT bless him in Jannat-ul-Firdaus.#IsmailTara pic.twitter.com/gYzPnJBv4T
— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) November 24, 2022
My favourite childhood comedian is no more. Goodbye Ismail Tara. May Allah rest his soul in peace (Ameen) #IsmailTara https://t.co/OSfRypXict
— Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) November 25, 2022
Veteran in every sense of the word, Ismail Tara saheb redefined comedy with his trendsetter Fifty Fifty. The nation will remember you for making them smile through the 80s and beyond. May Allah grant you higher place in Jannah. Aameen🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/z66onUv9iL
— Adnan Siddiqui (@adnanactor) November 25, 2022
RIP Ismail Tara. Watch this video from start to end. 4 decades later it remains timeless, greatest feat comedy can achieve. Brilliant writing, direction in 50:50 – but sketches like this wouldn’t have been half of what they are without Ismail Tara. A comet of comedic brilliance. pic.twitter.com/72wKyyhUmQ
— Fasi Zaka (@fasi_zaka) November 25, 2022
He redefined comedy. Embodied each character with honesty, integrity and heart. Brought smiles to millions around the country and made us yearn for more. His passing is tragic and heartbreaking. He will b missed dearly but will live on in our hearts forever. RIP #IsmailTara #Hero pic.twitter.com/6j5vWqdDTP
— Ali Rehman Khan (@alirehmankhan) November 24, 2022
Stage & drama famous comedy actor Ismail Tara sb passed away 💔. His performances in comedy serial 50/50 is still top of the list comedy program. Condolences to his friends & family. May Allah bless him highest rank in Jannah 🤲🏼 Aameen pic.twitter.com/0wvyTXUliy
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) November 25, 2022
He will be missed forever. A legend. RIP Ismail Tara. Thank you for making us smile https://t.co/uJR8qK980N
— Samina Peerzada (@SaminaSays) November 25, 2022
Ismail Tara bhai 💔
Inna Lillah e Wa inna ilaih e rajioon— Shafaat Ali (@iamshafaatali) November 24, 2022
Sad to know about demise of our legend star Ismail Tara. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. My deepest condolences to his family.
— Saba Qamar (@s_qamarzaman) November 25, 2022
Thank you #IsmailTara Ji for the laughter & happiness you have brought into joy just my, but so many lives. I wish I had told you this while you were alive. J still watch 50-50 & it still makes me crack up laughing.May Allah bless you with the highest ranks in Jannah. RIP Sir❤️💔
— Nadia Jamil (@NJLahori) November 24, 2022
Attended Namaz e Janaza of renowned comedian Ismail Tara. Our generation will never forget his great work in 50/50 and other programs. Those who spread happiness, they have special blessings of Allah and Tara was one of them. pic.twitter.com/ZISVVIt7W7
— Senator Saeed Ghani (@SaeedGhani1) November 25, 2022
Legendary Ismail Tara has left us 💔 Allah unhe janat ul firdous main jaga dain Ameen . i had the honour of interviewing him for my morning show on @dawnnewstv @chaitoastaurhost in 2019 – thank you sir for the memories – you will be missed #ismailtara pic.twitter.com/dOgXrhwvFb
— Dino Ali (@iDinoAli) November 24, 2022
اناللہ وانا الیہ راجعون #IsmailTara sahab till we meet again pic.twitter.com/sYxgdTKZSy
— Mirza Gohar (@GoharRsd) November 25, 2022
May his soul rest in peace (Ameen).
