Veteran Pakistani actor Talat Hussain passed away in Karachi on Sunday after a prolonged illness, Aaj News reported.

According to Mohammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Hussain was under treatment at a private hospital.

Shah went on to say that he worked with Hussain for more than 40 years. “Hussain was not just an actor; he was a man from the literary world,” he stated, mentioning that the actor was currently working on a novel.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed grief on Hussain’s death.

In a statement, the prime minister said Talat was a legendary artist and he would always be remembered for his services to PTV, radio, and theatre films.

The renowned actor was born in 1940 and had two daughters and one son.

Hussain received the Pride of Performance Award in 1982 from the Pakistani government and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) in 2021.

Hussain is renowned for having had a successful career in radio, television, and film, having won numerous awards.