Pakistan’s entertainment industry took a tragic blow, as it lost one of its beloved entertainers, Liaquat Soldier, on Wednesday. The renowned comedian and respected stage actor succumbed to a severe heart attack after making his final appearance on a special transmission of the semi-final between Pakistan and India; leaving behind a grieving widow, three sons and a daughter.
Liaquat Soldier begun his acting career in 1973 and has performed in more than 250 television plays as well as the film, ’Quaid’. He also participated in a popular comedy competition that appeared on a TV channel in India.
Soldier was laid to rest at Silawat Graveyard, Dhobi Ghat, located in Lyari. His Namaz-e-Janaza was offered at Badami Masjid on Nabi Bakhsh Road. A large number of people attended the late comedian’s funeral including his relatives and various personalities hailing from the showbiz industry.
Renowned actor, Moin Akhtar, who appeared to be in a state of shock, said that Soldier was one of the few actors who was witty, yet modest. His sudden demise comes as a great loss to our nation’s entertainment industry, he said regretfully, adding that he had worked with Soldier in many plays and found him to be a truly charismatic artist, who earned the love of his fans. Akhtar also admired the way Soldier carried himself, stating that people would laugh and enjoy his comical expressions.
Moin Akhtar acknowledged that while Soldier’s style of acting, writing and directing was different from his own, it was admirable in its own right. He added that his deceased colleague played roles which enabled him to best showcase his comedic talents.
Another television personality, Nasrullah Khan, said that he had the honour of working with Soldier in a PTV play titled ‘jannat ka safar’, which was directed by Asif Ansari, and it was a memorable experience. He also mentioned that Liaquat’s modesty was admired by junior actors who became his close friends.
Liaquat Soldier’s Soyem will be held on Friday, April 1 2011, between Asr and Maghrib prayers at Al-Hajj Muhammad Hashim Gazdar Silawat Jamaat Hall.
