'Brilliant talent, tragic life': TV legend Roohi Bano mourned by artists and admirers

The veteran actor passed away after kidney failure in Istanbul today

Updated 25 Jan, 2019

Veteran TV actor Roohi Bano passed away after kidney failure in Istanbul today.

Known for her rich contributions to Pakistani TV dramas of the 1970-1980s, Roohi joined the TV industry whilst pursuing a psychology degree at the Government College, Lahore. Her appearance on a quiz competition led to a prolific TV career, starting with the Haseena Moin-penned Kiran Kahani.

Her growing stature as an actor in the '70s led to her appearance in a few films such as Palki, Kainat and Goonj Uthi Shehnai but it was TV that she made her home ground. Her iconic performances like Qila Kahani, Zard Gulab, Hairatkada, Darwaza will forever be remembered as golden moments in Pakistan's TV history.

She was awarded the Lux Style Unilever Chairman's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.

Despite her obvious brilliance as an actor, Roohi's career was cut short by personal tragedy and strife. After two unfulfilling marriages, she lost her only son to murder in 2005 — a loss she struggled to endure. In 2015, she also survived an attack on her life when her son’s friend reportedly attacked her for refusing to sell her Gulberg residence to him. She was being treated for schizophrenia at Lahore's Fountain House on and off during the final decade of her life.

Speaking to Geo News, writer Amjad Islam Amjad ranked her highly among the female stars of her time, "Few could understand their characters as deeply as Roohi could."

Actor Ghulam Moinuddin remembered her as "a truly great artist. She contributed greatly to Pakistani TV in the initial PTV era. It has to be said that all of us, including myself, often only remember our greats when they're gone. We should remedy this."

Her fans and admirers also paid her rich tribute on Twitter:

Comments

SMI Jan 25, 2019 04:47pm

We all have many words to describe our condolences on her death but unfortunately practically none of us come forward to help her or similar characters in life A Sad End!!

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Saif Zulfiqar Jan 25, 2019 04:57pm

Good people always leave us very quickly. May God Almighty bless the departed soul. Ameen.

Ding Jan 25, 2019 05:47pm

May she rest in peace now!

HonorBright Jan 25, 2019 05:52pm

Suffering of an artist is as bad as a suffering art...RIP!

Zak Jan 25, 2019 06:24pm

Truly sad news RIP. Our prayers for her and the family. A legend in her own right.

Zora Jan 25, 2019 07:29pm

May no one ever die as a poor artist in this country. Artists are creative souls those who give every nation it's contemporary identity. When will the artists get economical support through governmental funds and the respect they deserve like, they way artists are treated in any human society. What a woman Ruhi, what a life Ruhi. RIP.

Ahmad Jan 25, 2019 08:00pm

A great artist, may she rest in peace.

w.shaikh Jan 25, 2019 08:02pm

Very sorry to hear the sad demise of Roohi Bano. May God rest her soul in peace.

Shakil Jan 25, 2019 09:24pm

Her ordeal reflects true life of average Pakistani people and families who have been robbed of their happiness thanks to evil and good for nothing elite.

rizwan Jan 25, 2019 10:48pm

An exceptional talent and a superb artiste!Having watched her during the B&W TV era with competitors like Khalida Riyasat,Uzma Gilani et al ifeel nostalgic!Ruhi Bano will be missed forever!

Must learn Jan 25, 2019 11:25pm

Roohi Bano was most talented versatile actor. She will be long remembered for such a genuine acting in dramas.

Waqar Syed Jan 26, 2019 12:58am

R I P, aameen.

Zak Jan 26, 2019 02:44am

A great talent of Pakistan, gone but will not be forgotten. Prayers for her and her family.

Zak Jan 26, 2019 02:45am

Government should set up a pension and medical insurance for pakistani actors and artists. Let PTI do it as IK is a man with compassion.

Nia Jan 26, 2019 05:07am

Rest In Peace! You were perhaps the best Pakistani Actor ever

NK Jan 26, 2019 05:11am

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ‎

Muazzam Lone Jan 26, 2019 10:08am

often only remember someone greats when they're gone. Sad, RIP

Qadoos Ahmed Jan 26, 2019 11:32am

May her soul rest in peace, she suffer from agonising life.

Ali Jan 26, 2019 12:13pm

Those who forget their elders, one day world forgets them. Such is the state of Pakistanis. I feel such sorrow while writing this.

Pakamat Jan 26, 2019 09:39pm

RIP Roohi Bano. Success as an artist was no guarantee of a happy life . She might have her own reasons for leaving but it is also sad that as a country we can not protect our legends or provide free health care at least to our elders instead of relying on some compassionate doctors.