Hubbry Logo
Shoaib HashmiShoaib HashmiMain
Open search
Shoaib Hashmi
Community hub
Shoaib Hashmi
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Shoaib Hashmi
Shoaib Hashmi
Shoaib Hashmi
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Shoaib Hashmi (Urdu: شعیب ہاشمی; 12 July 1938 – 15 May 2023)[1][2] was a Pakistani playwright, actor and academic.[3][4][5]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Hashmi received his Master of Arts degree in economics from Government College Lahore (now Government College University), Lahore and his MSc. degree from London School of Economics (LSE), London[3] He also studied theater at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London.[1][3][6][5]

Hashmi taught economics for many years at Government College Lahore (now Government College University), Lahore and later taught at Lahore School of Economics.[1][7][5]

Personal life

[edit]

Hashmi was married to Salima Hashmi, the daughter of noted Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz.[1] The couple had two children Yasser Hashmi and actress Mira Hashmi.[3][8][9][6]

Death

[edit]

Hashimi died on 15 May 2023, at the age of 84 due to a prolonged and extended illness. He reportedly suffered a brain haemorrhage 12 years ago after which he never fully recovered.[8][1][2][5] Prior to his death, he had been sick and paralysed, with difficulty in walking and talking. He received treatment in Lahore, Pakistan.[5][10]

According to a major newspaper of Pakistan, "His humble, warm and unassuming demeanor was among the most remarkable aspects of his personality".[2]

Works

[edit]

Television serials

[edit]

He wrote the following comedy TV serials for Ptv, which originally aired in the 1970s.[11] He was widely considered as one of the pioneers of Ptv.[8]

Newspaper columnist

[edit]

Book translator

[edit]

Hashmi translated a few books from Urdu to English, notably A song for this day: 52 poems by Pakistani noted poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz.[1]

Awards

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shoaib Hashmi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Shoaib Hashmi (Urdu: شعیب ہاشمی; 12 July 1938 – 15 May 2023) was a Pakistani playwright, actor, and academic renowned for his satirical television dramas and theatre productions that critiqued social norms during the black-and-white era of Pakistan Television (PTV). Born in Rawalpindi, Hashmi earned a Master of Arts in economics from Government College Lahore and a postgraduate degree from the London School of Economics before joining academia as a professor of economics at Government College University, Lahore, where he influenced generations of students through his intellectual rigor. His career spanned writing over 100 television plays, including iconic PTV serials like Akkar that infused humor and social commentary into early Pakistani broadcasting, alongside performing in more than 400 theatre shows noted for their satirical edge. Hashmi also translated works such as Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poetry collections and contributed columns to newspapers, extending his impact beyond performance to literature and public discourse. Married to artist , daughter of poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz, he received the award in 1995 and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to Pakistani arts and education, though his oeuvre emphasized unvarnished portrayals of societal follies over institutional acclaim. Hashmi's death from a brain haemorrhage at age 84 marked the end of a prolific era in Pakistani , with his works enduring as benchmarks for blending wit with empirical observation of .

Early Life and Education

Birth and Family

Shoaib Hashmi was born on 12 July 1938 in , , then part of British . In 1965, he married , daughter of the renowned Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz and artist . The couple had two children: son Yasser Hashmi and daughter , the latter an actress. No public records detail Hashmi's parents or siblings.

Academic Background

Shoaib Hashmi earned a degree in from Government College, Lahore, now known as Government College University. Following this, he advanced his studies at the School of Economics, obtaining a postgraduate degree in prior to 1968. In addition to his formal economic training, Hashmi completed a specialized course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in , which complemented his later pursuits in theater and media. These qualifications positioned him as an educator in economics before his broader career developments.

Academic Career

Teaching Roles

Shoaib Hashmi began his academic career as a professor of at Government College, , following his Master's degree in from Punjab University. He served in this role for several decades, including as head of the Department of , where he instructed generations of students until at least 1967, when he departed for further studies at the London School of . Upon returning to , Hashmi continued teaching at Government College, amassing over four decades of experience in the subject, though he later transitioned to instructing while retaining his professorial title in . His pedagogical approach often incorporated practical examples, such as referencing Punjabi agricultural contexts to explain economic concepts, which endeared him to students who described him as an inspiring and knowledgeable mentor. In later years, Hashmi extended his teaching to the , where he lectured in both and and held the position of and director. Throughout his tenure at these institutions, now known as Government College University, he was recognized for fostering intellectual curiosity among pupils, drawing on his broad erudition beyond formal economics training.

Educational Contributions

Shoaib Hashmi contributed to primarily through his long tenure as a of at Government College University (GCU), , where he taught for 37 years and influenced generations of students. He also served as head of the Department of , providing leadership in curriculum delivery and departmental administration during his association with the institution spanning over four decades. Hashmi's teaching extended beyond standard economics instruction, as he mentored students interested in and , nurturing talents who later gained prominence in those fields. His classes were described as impressive and engaging, fostering among undergraduates and postgraduates, including organizing debates on economic and social topics. Students and colleagues noted his compassionate approach, which positively shaped their intellectual development and worldview. Later in his career, Hashmi transitioned to roles at the , continuing his commitment to economic education while integrating insights from his dramatic arts background to enrich pedagogical discussions. His overall impact as an educator lay in bridging academic rigor with cultural awareness, though specific innovations in teaching methods remain undocumented in primary accounts.

Media and Literary Career

Theater and Playwriting

Shoaib Hashmi pursued formal training in theatre during a three-year period in , where he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, honing skills that informed his subsequent contributions to Pakistani stage productions. This background equipped him to engage deeply with theatrical writing and performance, emphasizing satirical elements that critiqued social norms. Hashmi wrote extensively for the , producing works that complemented his prolific television output. Over his career, he directed and staged more than 400 shows, many incorporating to address contemporary issues through humor and absurdity. These productions, often performed in and other Pakistani venues, reflected his commitment to live performance as a medium for intellectual engagement, where he viewed the audience as an interactive element to be dynamically influenced. As a patron of theatre, Hashmi supported emerging artists and institutions, fostering a space for dramatic arts amid Pakistan's evolving cultural landscape. His stage efforts, though less documented than his television serials, underscored a preference for the immediacy of live over broadcast formats, prioritizing direct audience response in shaping narrative delivery.

Television Productions

Shoaib Hashmi contributed significantly to Television (PTV) during its formative years, writing and producing comedy serials and satirical plays that emphasized humor, education, and in the . His works often featured irreverent sketches and character-driven narratives, introducing innovative formats to black-and-white broadcasts and launching careers for actors like . Over his career, Hashmi penned more than 100 plays, though specific titles beyond his landmark serials remain less documented in public records. Among his most notable productions was Akkar Bakkar, a PTV children's serial designed to educate young audiences through playful sketches and moral lessons, produced with involvement from members including his wife . Similarly, Taal Matol aired as a light-hearted show on PTV in the , blending everyday humor with relatable characters to engage viewers. Such Gup (also spelled Sach Gup), another PTV serial conceptualized by Hashmi, stood out for its satirical edge, delivering witty commentary on social norms through episodic sketches that challenged conventions during a period of . Hashmi's Balila, a late-1970s PTV drama serial, exemplified his bold style by critiquing societal and regime issues via allegorical —naming the after a car model to symbolize everyday struggles—leading to its abrupt removal from air amid sensitivities. These productions not only popularized comic on PTV but also integrated emerging talents, such as singer , whom Hashmi introduced in one of his programs. While later works in the included groundbreaking efforts, detailed records of those serials are sparse, with Hashmi's influence persisting through his foundational role in Pakistani television's comedic tradition.

Other Writings

Hashmi authored columns that incorporated humor and social observation, distinct from his theatrical and televisual works. In the , he wrote a regular column titled Taal Matol for a Pakistani , employing elements to critique societal issues. He also contributed columns to The News, where his writing maintained a light yet incisive tone on contemporary matters. Beyond columns, Hashmi focused on literary translations, particularly rendering into English to broaden accessibility. His most prominent work in this area was the translation of 52 poems by Ahmed Faiz, published as A Song for This Day: Aaj Kay Naam, with illustrations by his wife, . This collection preserved Faiz's themes of resistance and while adapting them for English readers. Hashmi further supplied translations of Faiz's poems for the biographical volume The Way It Was Once: Faiz Ahmed Faiz—His Life, His Poems, complementing the text's narrative on the poet's life. These efforts highlighted his role in bridging linguistic divides in , though he produced no major original prose volumes.

Personal Life

Family Connections

Shoaib Hashmi married Salima Hashmi, a painter, art educator, and dean of the School of Visual Arts at Beaconhouse National University, in mid-1965. Salima is the daughter of the renowned Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz and his wife Alys Faiz, a political activist and writer of Irish-Pakistani origin. This marriage linked Hashmi to one of Pakistan's most influential literary families, with Faiz Ahmed Faiz being a prominent progressive intellectual and Marxist poet whose works, such as Dast-e-Saba and Zindan-Nama, gained international acclaim. The couple had two children: a son, Yasser Hashmi, and a daughter, , who pursued a career in . Hashmi's nephew, actor Adeel Hashmi—son of Salima's sister —was also involved in public tributes following his uncle's death, highlighting ties within Pakistan's arts and media circles. No further notable familial connections beyond this immediate and extended network through marriage are documented in available records.

Personal Traits and Views

Shoaib Hashmi was characterized by contemporaries and obituaries as possessing a joyous and humorous personality, rooted in an intrinsic talent for that permeated his work and interactions. His demeanor was frequently described as humble, warm, unassuming, and down-to-earth, contributing to his reputation as a beloved mentor and collaborator in academic and artistic circles. Colleagues noted his kindness, generosity, and dignified bearing, qualities that endeared him to students and peers alike, often highlighting his role as an exemplary teacher who fostered deep personal connections. Hashmi balanced conservative values with modern sensibilities, maintaining a strong belief in the sanctity of his cultural roots while embracing contemporary creative expressions. He expressed a personal affinity for indigenous Pakistani foods, reflecting a grounded appreciation for without excess indulgence. In professional reflections, he conveyed satisfaction derived from self-directed creative processes, prioritizing intrinsic fulfillment over external acclaim in his playwriting and directing endeavors. These traits and preferences underscored a multifaceted character that integrated personal restraint with intellectual and artistic vitality, as observed in profiles from his lifetime and post-mortem tributes.

Health Decline and Death

Illness and Final Years

In 2009, Shoaib Hashmi suffered a brain hemorrhage that resulted in , rendering him and unable to speak or move independently. This event marked the beginning of a prolonged period of health decline, during which he required constant care and remained largely incapacitated for the subsequent 14 years. Throughout his , Hashmi's condition showed no significant recovery, with his immobility and speechlessness persisting as primary complications from the initial stroke-like . members, including his son Adeel Hashmi, managed his daily needs in , where he resided until his passing. Reports indicate a gradual deterioration, culminating in a critical worsening of his on the night of May 14, 2023, though no additional medical interventions or specific treatments during this phase are detailed in available accounts.

Death and Immediate Aftermath

Shoaib Hashmi died on 15 May 2023 in , , at the age of 84, after a prolonged illness that originated from a brain hemorrhage in 2009, which had rendered him bedridden and partially paralyzed. His condition deteriorated sharply on the night of 14 May, leading to his passing the following afternoon, as confirmed by family members and Television authorities. News of his death prompted an immediate wave of tributes across Pakistani media and social platforms, with figures from the arts and academia highlighting his enduring influence on theater, television, and education. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief, crediting Hashmi with a pivotal role in the golden era of Pakistan Television through his iconic comedy serials and productions. The Information Minister similarly mourned the loss of a multifaceted cultural icon whose work had enriched Urdu drama and intellectual discourse. Prominent actors Saba Hamid and Simi Raheal publicly lamented his demise, portraying him as a master of , , and intellectual depth who mentored generations in the . Social media overflowed with personal anecdotes from former students and colleagues, emphasizing his legacy as an educator and who blended humor with in over 100 television plays. No official was detailed in immediate reports, but his passing marked the end of an era in Pakistani literary and broadcast history, with calls for greater recognition of his archival works.

Recognition and Legacy

Awards Received

Shoaib Hashmi received the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, a civil award recognizing distinguished service in literature and arts, from the Government of Pakistan in 1971. This honor acknowledged his early contributions to playwriting and cultural productions. He was later conferred the Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 1996, the highest national accolade for artistic excellence, specifically for his pioneering work in television drama and theater. These awards highlighted his impact on Pakistani performing arts, though reports vary slightly on the Pride of Performance date, with some sources citing 1995.

Critical Reception and Influence

Shoaib Hashmi's television works, particularly satirical programs like Akkar Bakkar and Such Gupp broadcast on Television (PTV) in the 1970s, received acclaim for pioneering in Pakistani media during an era of state-controlled broadcasting. Critics and contemporaries described his contributions as transformative, introducing humor that critiqued social and political norms while adhering to the constraints of under military rule. His ability to infuse into black-and-white programming was later eulogized as bringing "colour" to viewers' lives, emphasizing his in elevating PTV's comedic output beyond rote entertainment. Hashmi's influence extended to shaping subsequent generations of Pakistani dramatists and , earning him recognition as the "father of all shows that followed" on national television. His scripts, numbering over 100 plays, established a template for socially conscious humor that balanced levity with subtle commentary, impacting theater and television by mentoring emerging talents and fostering a tradition of intellectual . Posthumously, tributes from actors and writers highlighted his enduring legacy in introducing "new dynamics" to comic formats, though his later withdrawal from television reflected disillusionment with the medium's shift toward commercial . No major critical detractors emerged in contemporary assessments, with reception uniformly positive among Pakistani literary and media circles.

References

  1. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2417049/mourning-a-legend-the-inimitable-shoaib-hashmi
  2. https://images.dawn.com/news/1191785/veteran-playwright-shoaib-hashmi-passes-away
  3. https://www.dawn.com/news/1753512
  4. https://www.thefridaytimes.com/15-May-2023/veteran-playwright-shoaib-hashmi-passes-away
  5. https://www.dawn.com/news/1753588
  6. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2303776/pakistan
  7. https://www.youlinmagazine.com/story/obituary-shoaib-hashmi/MjUyMQ==
  8. https://voicepk.net/2023/05/celebrated-playwright-and-educator-shoaib-hashmi-passes-away/
  9. https://manihammad.medium.com/remembering-shoaib-hashmi-96b000734472
  10. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/06/18/the-teacher-that-he-was/
  11. https://images.dawn.com/news/1191786/shoaib-hashmi-the-man-who-brought-colour-to-black-and-white-tv
  12. https://www.nation.com.pk/15-May-2023/renowned-playwright-shoaib-hashmi-passes-away
  13. https://www.thefridaytimes.com/24-May-2023/of-shoaib-hashmi-and-happiness-on-tv
  14. https://dailytimes.com.pk/1093877/golden-memories-a-tribute-to-shoaib-hashmi/
  15. https://thestandard.com.pk/shoaib-hashmis-humane-minimalism/
  16. https://www.facebook.com/VintagePakistan/posts/masterpiece-of-shoaib-hashmi-sahib-such-gup-shoaib-hashmi-is-a-veteran-playwrigh/703179303095859/
  17. https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/723802-Veteran-playwright-actor-Shoaib-Hashmi-passes-away
  18. https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1072255-remembering-shoaib-hashmi
  19. http://lahoreschoolofeconomics.blogspot.com/2004/10/
  20. https://www.dawn.com/news/1754192
  21. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1678696112951296/posts/1988653715288866/
  22. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/15/well-known-playwright-actor-shoaib-hashmi-breathes-his-last/
  23. https://www.dawn.com/news/689987/humours-prodigy
  24. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2416858/legendary-playwright-shoaib-hashmi-passes-away-at-84-in-lahore
  25. https://minutemirror.com.pk/playwright-satirist-shoaib-hashmi-passes-away-105422/
  26. https://www.brecorder.com/news/40242289
  27. https://english.aaj.tv/news/30321248/renowned-actor-shoaib-hashmi-passes-away
  28. https://www.thefridaytimes.com/16-May-2023/in-memoriam-outpour-of-tributes-for-shoaib-hashmi
  29. https://radio.gov.pk/15-05-2023/pm-info-minister-express-deep-grief-over-death-of-renowned-drama-writer-shoaib-hashmi
  30. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2416870/a-man-of-letters-wit-and-prose-saba-hamid-simi-raheal-others-mourn-demise-of-shoaib-hashmi
  31. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2303776/amp
  32. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1070822-shoaib-hashmi-passes-away
  33. https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1072238-the-shoaib-hashmi-legacy
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.