Karachi: The nation paid tribute to the legendary Pakistani stage and television actor Latif Kapadia on his 22nd death anniversary. Kapadia, celebrated for his contributions to the arts, continues to be remembered for his pioneering work in both theatre and television.

Born on March 27, 1934, in Nasik, Maharashtra, which was then part of British India, Kapadia migrated to Karachi, Sindh, at the age of 13. His journey into the world of acting began in 1953, thanks to the encouragement of theatre enthusiasts Meher Ji and Pervaiz Dastur, who were instrumental in his early career. Together, they brought numerous plays to life in the 1950s, setting the stage for Kapadia’s future success.

With the advent of Pakistan Television in Karachi in 1967, Kapadia expanded his repertoire by taking on roles in television dramas. His inaugural TV play, “Sheeshay Kay Aadmi,” was followed by notable performances in “Baarish,” “Barzakh,” “Fifty Fifty,” “Gurez,” “Nadan Nadia,” and “Shikastay Arzoo,” leaving a lasting impact on audiences and the industry alike.

Kapadia’s dedication to his craft was recognized on a national level when he was awarded the Pride of Performance on March 23, 2001, by the President of Pakistan, an honor that acknowledged his substantial contributions to theatre in the country.

Tragically, Latif Kapadia passed away due to cardio-respiratory arrest on March 29, 2002. Yet, his legacy endures, as he is fondly remembered for his remarkable talent and the indelible mark he left on Pakistan’s cultural landscape.