Jamshed Ansari (31 December 1942 in Saharanpur – 24 August 2005 in Karachi) was a Pakistani film, television and radio actor. He is remembered for his numerous performances on both radio and television, including as Safdar in the radio programme Hamid Mian Kay Haan and Hasnat Bhai in the PTV drama Uncle Urfi.

Background

He was born in Saharanpur, United Provinces, British India (now in UP, India) on 31 December 1942, to the family of a business tycoon, Zamir Hasan Ansari. Dubai Islamic Bank is the brainchild of Jamshed's older brother Tamiz. Ansari migrated with his family to Pakistan in 1948. In his early adulthood, he moved to London, where he completed television production courses, worked in stage shows and with the BBC as well, returning to Pakistan in 1968, launching his acting career the same year.

Career

Radio

Ansari is remembered for his role as Safdar in Radio Pakistan's longest running programme, Hamid Mian Kay Haan (At Hamid Mian's house).

Television

Ansari made his debut in 1968 with the drama Jharokay. His first drama from PTV's Karachi Centre was Agha Nasir's Ghora Ghaas Khata Hai ("The horse eats grass"). He worked in more than 200 TV plays including some popular dramas such as Uncle Urfi, Ankahi, Tanhaiyaan, etc.

Death

Ansari died of a brain tumour on 24 August 2005. Funeral prayers were held at Baitul Mukarram Mosque, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi followed by burial at Khurshidpura Graveyard in Hub, Balochistan.

Awards

He was awarded 55 national and 2 international awards.

Selected filmography

Film

Television