Pakistan: Farooq Qaiser of Uncle Sargam fame passes away at 75

Islamabad: Pakistanis are mourning the lack of acclaimed artist Farooq Qaiser, higher referred to as Uncle Sargam - a puppet character he created- who pioneered the idea of training by means of leisure in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s beloved puppeteer breathed his final on Friday on the age of 75 in Islamabad on Friday after a cardiac arrest, his household confirmed. He's survived by three youngsters, one son and two daughters in addition to grandchildren, in line with native media.

Qaiser was one of the outstanding Pakistani puppeteer, cartoonist, writer, scriptwriter, voice-over artist and TV character. He's the creator of Muppet-like puppets together with the legendary Uncle Sargam and different characters Maasi Museebatay, Rolla and Sharmeeli that turned family names in Pakistan.

Uncle Sargam was first launched in a tv present for teenagers, Kaliyan first aired in 1976 on Pakistan Tv (PTV) to foster studying by means of leisure amongst each youngsters and their mother and father. Different standard TV exhibits had been Putli Tamasha, Sargam Time and Daak Time. Kaliyan was revived in 2010 as a political satire present named ‘Siyasi Kaliyan’.

Born in Sialkot in 1945, Qaiser initially studied on the Nationwide Faculty of Arts. He additionally attained two postgraduate levels in artwork and communication from Romania (1976) and the College of Southern California, USA, (1999). Few Pakistanis are conscious of the truth that Uncle Sargam’s look was closely impressed by Qaiser’s Professor Molnar on the College of Bucharest. He was awarded Pakistan’s Presidential Pleasure of Efficiency award and quite a few nationwide and worldwide honours for his contribution to puppetry, leisure and training.

Qaiser’s characters had been standard amongst each younger and adults due to his artistic and skilful mixture of humour and satire to deal with social and political problems with the nation. “Be a puppeteer, not a puppet” was his recommendation to the younger folks within the subject.

Farooq Qaiser was additionally the co-founder and vice chairman of Pakistan’s department of UNIMA, the world’s oldest theatrical group centered on puppetry.

Extending condolences on Qaiser’s demise, Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that he was saddened to study his dying. “He was not just a performer but would constantly raise awareness about social injustices and issues,” the premier stated.

Federal Minister for Data Fawad Chaudhry stated Qaiser will at all times be remembered for reviving the “centuries-old craft” of puppetry by means of his “unforgettable character” of Uncle Sargam. “Uncle Sargam was popular with people of all ages because of his art and personality” stated Inside Minister Sheikh Rasheed, including that Qaiser has left a void in Pakistan’s TV trade that may by no means be stuffed.

Paying tribute to the artist, Pakistan Nationwide Council of Arts director Dr Fozia Saeed stated, Qaiser “wrote and spoke to highlight evil characters and pointed out the weaknesses in our social life. His unmatchable, remarkable, undeniable and universal characters have played a vital role in educating people.”

Many Pakistan who grew up watching Qaiser’s puppet exhibits recalled that “Uncle Sargam made their childhood awesome”. Maheen Hassan posted on Twitter that “We lost a legend today”, saying that Uncle Sargam was one of many first tv characters she was acquainted with. Farooq Qaisar was the pioneer, the most effective of his time and irreplaceable, she stated.

“You educated us and inspired us throughout our childhoods” wrote columnist Ali Moeen Nawazish, praying that will his soul relaxation in peace.

“Uncle Sargam will always remain in our hearts,” stated Sabika Irfan, who used to devotedly watch each episode. “As a 90s kid, I learned a great deal about social issues simply by watching those shows.” Regretting that there aren't any such informative exhibits on Pakistani media for teenagers immediately, she stated: “Gone are the days when TV would entertain and educate kids at the same time. Now it’s just news and politics on TV which is pretty depressing.”