Talat Hussain, the legendary Pakistani actor, left a profound mark on Pakistan’s media and cultural landscape. He began his career in the 1960s as a radio host and later became known not only for his memorable performances but also for mentoring a new generation of actors.

Remembering him on his passing, we honor his contributions and wisdom.

This is a clip from his 2018 interview with DW اردو where he discusses the state of spoken Urdu in Pakistan.

In this interview, Talat Hussain observes a marked deterioration in our language and discourse, which is becoming increasingly characterized by aggression, boastfulness, and pride. He laments that Pakistanis are losing the inherent grace and tehzeeb (culture and manners) that once defined Urdu speech—a decline that is amplified by contemporary Pakistani media, which mirrors this harsh speech.

The veteran actor and broadcaster contrasts this with the meticulous standards of his early career at Radio Pakistan. In that golden era of Pakistani broadcasting, he recalls that every detail—from news bulletins to songs—was carefully monitored to prevent the corruption of language among children.

He also addresses the criticism that the “tehzeeb” (culture and manners) associated with Urdu come from Hindustani culture. He firmly believes that even if the tehzeeb brought to Pakistan has elements of Hindustan in it, this should make no difference. According to him, true tehzeeb encourages moral responsibility, intelligence, empathy, and compassion, creating a better society for oneself and others. Therefore, no matter its origin, tehzeeb is an inheritance that must be protected.

He also reflects on colonial hangover in Pakistan: despite political independence, Pakistanis remain influenced by colonial mindsets. Speaking English is a matter of pride, and in doing so, people may unconsciously emulate the very structures that once ruled them. As he puts it:

“We are not truly free, because freedom is not defined by lines drawn on a map — it resides in the mind and character.”

— Talat Hussain, Pakistani Actor

Remembered for his enduring impact on Pakistani drama and arts, Talat Hussain’s reflections continue to resonate and invite us to reconsider our own choices—the words we use, the media we consume, and the cultural values we embody.

How has Talat Hussain’s work influenced you? Let us know in the comments!

This article was developed with the assistance of AI tools.