Izhar Qazi

Qazi was born in Khadda Market, Karachi. He began his professional career as an engineer at Pakistan Steel Mills but was later introduced to the famous TV drama writer Fatima Suraiyya Bajia by his manager, Syed Abdul Munim.[2] Bajia was looking for a new face for television at that time Qazi's striking resemblance with Indian film actor Amitabh Bachchan immediately caught her attention.[2][3] She invited him to audition and he made his television debut in 1982, starring in the family television drama serial Ana.[2] He appeared as the romantic lead alongside another newcomer, Mehreen Ilahi, as well as alongside veteran television performers Shakeel and Ghazala Kaifi.[3] He later appeared in the serials Daira and Gardish, appearing again with Shakeel and the late Pakistani actor Saqi.[3]

Qazi's last acting role was in the private TV serial Pani Pe Naam. The series aired on PTV. [2][4]

After achieving television success, Qazi transitioned into the Lollywood film industry in 1986. His film debut as the lead role in Nazar Shabab's Ruby, alongside veteran co-stars Mustafa Qureshi, Shafi Mohammad, Sabeeta and Rangeela. The film was met with critical acclaim.[2][3]

Qazi's role in the film was also notable because Jawed Shiekh had originally been cast for the lead role but quit in order to travel to India with Salma Agha. [3] Around the same time, Jawed had also been cast as Izhar for the film Bangkok Ke Chor. Director Jan Mohammad fired Jawed and awarded the role to Qazi.[3]

In his third movie, Love in Nepal (1987) Qazi acted opposite Shabnam, Pakistan's top film actress at that time in a unique young-to-old character role.[1]

His collaborations with Jan Muhammad included popular films including Manila ki bijlyan, Roop ki rani, and Choron ka baadshah.[3] He also teamed up with the Sultan Rahi in a series of Punjabi films such as Abdullah the Great, Irada, Gujjar baadshah, Lahori baadshah, Pajero group, Ghunda, and Dilari.[3] Hence he was more of an action hero than a romantic one.[2] His only science fiction film, Sar kata insaan, in which he played the role of a police investigator, won 8 Nigar Awards.

Qazi retired from the film industry in 2003 because he was dismayed by the poor quality of Lollywood films and by local film industry politics.[5] He then concentrated on his real estate business.[5]

Qazi was nominated for best actor at the 2004 Lux Style Awards.[2][4] He also won the Graduate Award and Bolan Award.[6] He was awarded the prestigious Nigar Awards for his performances in Sakhi baadshan and Bakhtawar.[2][3] He also received the National Award for best actor for his role in Masood Butt's Chiragh Bali.[3]

Qazi had four daughters and a son. He was active in several literary organizations.[3]

On December 23, 2007,Qazi, suffered a heart attack while singing at the wedding of his sister-in-law in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi[6][7] He died two hours later at a local hospital.[6] His funeral prayers were offered at Masjid Darul Khair, Gulistan-i-Jauhar and he was buried at Model Colony graveyard the next day.[8]

• List of Lollywood actors

• Izhar Qazi at IMDb
• The seen and unseen facets of Izhar Qazi
• Sind governor condoles the death of Izhar Qazi