Karachi, The eighth death anniversary of Kamal Ahmed Rizvi, a distinguished actor, director, playwright, and translator renowned for his contributions to Pakistani theater and television, is being observed today. Radio Pakistan is honoring the legacy of Rizvi, whose artistic work continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Kamal Ahmed Rizvi, born in 1930 in Bihar, India, migrated with his family to Karachi following the creation of Pakistan in 1947. His multifaceted talents in the performing arts spanned various domains, earning him widespread acclaim and respect.
Rizvi’s career in the performing arts initiated in 1958 with a focus on theater, leading him to play a pivotal role in establishing the Lahore Studio of Pakistan Television (PTV) in 1965. He gained immense popularity through his iconic portrayal of ‘Allan’ in the groundbreaking PTV drama series ‘Alif Noon,’ which aired from 1965 to 1986. The series, beloved by audiences, became a cultural staple of Pakistani television, with its broadcast times famously causing streets to empty.
In addition to his role in ‘Alif Noon,’ Kamal Ahmed Rizvi’s impressive body of work included participation in numerous other TV and theater productions. His notable works include ‘Mr. Shaitan,’ ‘Adhi Baat,’ ‘Balaqi Badzat,’ ‘Badshahat Ka Khatima,’ ‘Julius Caesar,’ ‘Khoya Hua Aadmi,’ ‘Khwabon Ke Musafir,’ ‘Sahib Bi Bi Ghulam,’ ‘Chor Machaye Shor,’ ‘Hum Sab Pagal Hain,’ and ‘Aap Ka Mukhlis.’
Rizvi’s contributions extended beyond acting to literature, where he served as the editor of prestigious literary digests such as ‘Tehzeeb,’ ‘Aaina,’ and ‘Shama.’ He authored children’s literature and managed the publications ‘Bachon Ki Duniya’ and ‘Taleem-o-Tarbiyat,’ in addition to launching a monthly magazine, ‘Phoolwari.’
Kamal Ahmed Rizvi’s international work included his engagement with the BBC Urdu Service, adding a global dimension to his illustrious career. His passing on December 17, 2015, after a prolonged illness, marked the end of an era in Pakistani entertainment and literature. He is interred in Gizri Graveyard, Karachi.
His contributions have left an indelible mark on the cultural and artistic heritage of Pakistan, and his memory continues to be celebrated for the significant impact he had on the country’s entertainment and literary landscape.