The pioneer TV host was best known for his game show Neelam Ghar
Legendary television and radio host Tariq Aziz passed away in Lahore after a prolonged illness. He was 84 years old.
Tariq Aziz is best known for this show ‘Neelam Gher’ which ran for over three decades on Pakistan Television (PTV), making it one of the longest game shows ever aired of TV. The show in its later years was rebranded as Tariq Aziz Show and Bazm e Tariq Aziz.
Tariq Aziz was known for his mastery over Urdu language and his unique style of recitation of poetry. His opening line for the show “dekhti aankhon, suntey kaanon, app ko Tariq Aziz ka Salam pohanchey” (gazing eyes and listening ears, blessing be upon you) was repeated by all and sundry back in the day. Aziz was born in Jalandhar and his family settled in Sahiwal in Pakistan after the independence. He later moved to Lahore.
He also took part in active politics and was a member of the national assembly between 1997 and 1999 for the Pakistan Muslim League (N). Incumbent Prime Minister Imran Khan was one of his rivals for the seat. He was previously associated with Pakistan People’s Party. He later joined another faction of the Pakistan Muslim League but did not hold any office.
He also had a brief acting career where he played a variety of roles in movies. His movie ‘Salgirah’ was critically acclaimed and won 2 Nigar Awards.
Many of the current stars have expressed their grief over the passing away of the legend.
Some of the national cricket stars also took to twitter to express their feelings about the demise of the legendary anchor.