Born in Karachi on November 16, 1949 Ismail Tara possessed magical ability to turn all frowns, upside down with his wit and vitality. Rising to fame with Fifty Fifty, TV show that Tara not only acted in but also ended up writing script for. His impeccable comic timing, lustrous onscreen presence and larger-than-life persona earned him title of 'Pakistani Johny Walker'.

His role in film even landed him his first Nigar Award. Several have been mourning Tara's passing since news of his demise surfaced on Thursday evening. He was not only an exceptional actor with excellent work ethic, but also jolly, fun-loving individual, admired by plenty in private. "It is a tragic news for me and I have no words to express my sorrow over death of Ismail Tara," veteran actress Bushra Ansari told reporters.

"It is painful time for me as our colleagues in industry have started leaving one by one. But everyone has to die someday," she lamented. Playwright Asghar Nadeem Syed reminisced how Ismail Tara has only ever brought joy to everyone's lives, including his. "But by leaving so suddenly, he has, for first time, left me in sorrow," delved Syed. "Whenever I have spoken to him, he'd be smiling. I never saw him sad. His time in industry is not brief period. I have been witness to his four decades in industry and I believe that it is not easy for anyone to stay in profession like ours for so long and not let it dim their own light." Veteran actor Rashid Mahmood chipped in. "Ismail Tara was among those few entertainment professionals who remained associated with their careers till their last breath. He was a pillar of this showbiz fraternity and was among those whom people from across borders idealised. His death is big loss for our industry and he will be missed forever."

Stage actor Shiba Butt remembered Tara as shining star his name made him out to be. "Ismail Tara was only star shinning in industry at a time when there was only PTV. But he was also a bright star of film and theatre, attracting families and folks of all kinds back in day.  "My dearest friend, actor and legendary comedian Ismail Tara has passed away in Karachi. May Allah grant him highest place in Jannah," tweeted veteran actor Jawed Sheikh. Adnan Siddiqui remembered Tara as "veteran in every sense of word." He tweeted, "Ismail Tara sahab redefined comedy with his trendsetter Fifty Fifty. Nation will remember you for making them smile through 80s and beyond. May Allah grant you higher place in Jannah." Actor Ali Rehman Khan chimed in, "He [Tara] redefined comedy.

Embodied each character with honesty, integrity and heart. Brought smiles to millions around country and made us yearn for more.  Saba Qamar fell short of words to express her grief. "Sad to know about demise of our legend star Ismail Tara. My deepest condolences to his family," she shared on micro-blogging site. Actor Nabeel Zafar shared post with late star's photo on Instagram. He captioned it, "Indeed, we belong to God and to God we shall return. May Allah grant [Ismail Tara] higher place in Jannah." Yasir Hussain followed suit. Under photo of Tara he wrote, "RIP Ismail Tara sahab. Jab bhi film TV ya stage pe koi camedy Kary ga us mai aap ki jhalak zaroor aye gi.  Senior actor Simi Raheal wrote in an Insta Story, "Another gem gone!" Singer Adnan Sami also tweeted, "Ismail Tara sahib. Can't believe he's passed away. He was comedic genius. My heartfelt condolences... May Allah SWT bless him in Jannat-ul-Firdaus." Vasay Chaudhry wrote, "RIP, Tara sahab. So, so many memories of being a fan of his wit, comic timing in 50/50 and then working with him in rubber band, Main Hoon Shahid Afridi and Jawani Phir Nahi Aani." Chaudhry Fawad Hussain also tweeted, "Our generation grew up watching Ismail Tara a big drama like Fifty Fifty is to his credit. Ismail Tara's death is end of an era. God bless you."

Asad Siddiqui, Shahroze Sabzwari, Sana Shahnawaz, Sana Javed, Hira Mani, Ghana Ali, Azaan Sami Khan, Adeel Hussain offered prayer for deceased and shared their condolences on their Instagram Stories.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 26 2022

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