LAHORE: Popular but controversial Pakistani TV host and politician Aamir Liaquat Hussain died of loneliness and depression at his home on Thursday, drawing attention to a fragility beneath the glamorous coating, glitz and flashy lights of the showbiz world.
Research shows that numerous Pakistani, Indian and international showbiz personalities went broke after their lives derailed for various reasons ranging from failed marriages and carefree spending to drug addiction and ups and downs in their careers.
He was frequently featured on Youtube mainly for bad reasons and as a result was heavily criticized by the general public, a factor that may also have contributed to the deterioration of Aamir’s mental health.
Here are some examples of notable television, film and theater personalities who fell victim to miserable circumstances:
One of the most famous Pakistani film actors, Waheed Murad, known for his charming facial expression, attractive personality, delicate voice and unusual talent, was just 45 years old when he was found dead with a paan leaf in his mouth. Waheed was staying at a friend’s house and his bedroom door had to be forced open in the morning after not waking up until the afternoon. His wife left him and he developed various stomach problems.
At one point, part of his stomach had to be removed to prevent bleeding. Whether it was a heart attack or suicide, no one knows, but archival knowledge suggests that Waheed, who starred in 125 feature films and received 32 film awards, had become addicted to alcohol, oral tobacco and sleeping pills. Nazia Hassan, the first Pakistani singer to hit the UK Singles Chart and sold over 65 million records worldwide, battled a long battle with lung cancer and died shortly after her divorce at just 35.
In January 2019, legendary film and television actress Roohi Bano left the world in Turkey after suffering from kidney failure. She has lived alone in Pakistan since her 20-year-old son was killed in 2005.
Famous comedian Rafi Khawar aka Nannah had gained immense popularity in the first half of 80’s and along with the late Nannah, had a love affair with fellow actress Nazli in his prime. But after Nannah started delivering flops and hit hard times financially, Nazli reportedly split from him. Nannah allegedly committed suicide by shooting herself in Lahore in June 1986.
Beautiful Lollywood actress Rani (real name: Nasira Begum) has had three failed marriages in a row. Rani, also known as “The Dancing Queen”, died of cancer in May 1993. A failed relationship with actor Dharmendra and a broken marriage had sent her into a downward spiral. She earned a lot during her career but died poor.
The ever-beautiful Indian actress Madhubala has been diagnosed with an incurable congenital heart defect. Her affair with Dilip Kumar and the heartbreak she suffered from the superstar was the talk of the town at the time. She was bedridden for almost eight years before succumbing to her death in 1968. Another very pretty Indian actress Parveen Babi also had an ugly ending to her life. She was found dead in her home in Mumbai in January 2005.
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