Legendary actress Ayesha Khan, a familiar and respected face of Pakistan Television’s golden era, passed away in Karachi on Thursday. She was 76.
Born in 1948, Ayesha rose to prominence through timeless PTV dramas like Afshan, Uroosa, Aanch, Bandhan, and Shaam Se Pehle. Her calm, intense presence lit up television screens across the nation during the 1980s and 1990s.
In Afshan, one of her most moving roles, she portrayed a woman burdened by grief and responsibility. Her husband and brother flee the country during Partition, and she courageously raises both her child and niece Afshan alone. Viewers still recall that role with teary admiration. Her performance was raw, real, and unforgettable.
Master of Expressions and Timeless Performances
Ayesha Khan was known for her subtle acting, graceful demeanor, and powerful dialogue delivery. She didn’t need theatrics to impress. Her expressions did the talking.
She was the elder sister of the late Khalida Riasat, another powerhouse of PTV. Both sisters dominated the screen with their unique talent and emotional intensity. Their performances still feel fresh, even in reruns.
Ayesha stepped away from acting in her later years due to illness. Yet her dramas continued to find new fans, proving that real talent never fades. Her legacy is now studied as a benchmark for acting excellence — simple, controlled, and effective.
Nation Bids Farewell to a Cultural Gem
Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, expressed deep sorrow over her demise. “Ayesha Khan worked in dramas for more than five decades. Her death is a huge loss to Pakistan’s entertainment industry,” he said.
Fans from across Pakistan flooded social media with tributes. Clips of her classic scenes, especially from Afshan and Bandhan, went viral as netizens celebrated her unmatched talent.
Many fans are calling on PTV to air a tribute special in her honor. Others are demanding that her work be preserved in national archives for future generations to learn from.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Ayesha Khan didn’t act — she lived the character. She made you cry without crying herself. That’s real talent.”
Ayesha Khan may have left the world, but she leaves behind a body of work that will keep inspiring, teaching, and moving audiences for generations.