One of the most prominent and experienced Urdu novelist, playwright and drama writer of Pakistan, Fatima Surayya Bajia passed away at the age of 85. Fatima Surayya Bajia was not feeling from the last few months, due to which she had been admitted in the hospital. On 10th February 2016, Fatima Surayya Bajia didn’t survived from her illness and passed away in the evening. President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain, PM Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Governor Sindh Ishrat ul Ibad, CM Sindh Qaim Ali Shah, Arts Council President Ahmad Shah, MQM Chief Altaf Hussain and other social, political and showbiz personalities have showed their grief and sorrow on her death.
Early Life and Family
Fatima Surayya Bajia was born on 1st September 1930 in Hyderabad, near Panj Bibi Mountain India and then moved to Karachi, Pakistan after independence. She had never attend any formal school and took all her education from a teacher, who lived in her home. Once sharing her experience of studying from a private teacher instead of school, Fatima Surayya Bajia said that her grandfather had decided to not admit them in school. Fatima Surayya Bajia belong to well-known and well-being family. She was the eldest child out of her 9 brothers and sisters. Famous actor and writer Anwar Maqsood, prominent poet Zehra Nigah, popular cooking expert Zubaida Tariq (Zubaida Aapa) and fashion designer Mrs. Kazmi are the siblings of Fatima Surayya Bajia.
Career
Fatima Surayya Bajia had started her career in 1960’s through acting, after surprise meeting with famous director of Pakistan television, Agha Nasir. In 1966, she made debut in the showbiz industry by playing a role in drama written by Agha Nasir. Fatima Surayya Bajia had proved herself as a dedicated and talented artist, due to which she had offered to act in many dramas. After sometimes, she had started writing dramas and got popularity within few years due to her expertise. Her famous dramas include Shama, Afshaan, Aroosa, Tasweer, Zeenat, Ana, Aagahi, Aabgeenay, Babar, Tareekh-o-Tamseel, Ghar aik Nagar, Faraz Aik Karz, Phool Rahi Sarsoon, Tasveer-e-Kainaat, Asaavari, Arzoo, Sassi Punno, Aabgeenay, Anarkali, Auraq and Jisse Piya Chahe.
Despite of making her name in the television industry with her acting and playwriting, Fatima Surayya Bajia also worked on Radio and hosted several informative programs. She had also hosted several programs on Pakistan Television (PTV). Fatima Surayya Bajia was actually a nursery for all the new comers of the industry because she had introduced many popular and renowned artists in the industry. She was known for her polite and caring nature in the industry and if anyone in the industry have a problem regarding work, they discuss with Fatima Surayya Bajia instead of directors. During her career which was consisting of decades, Fatima Surayya Bajia had proved herself and contributed a lot for the success of PTV.
Awards and Honours
Fatima Surayya Bajia had won several national and international awards during her career. She had an honour to get one of the highest civil awards of Pakistan, Pride of Performance in 1997 for her contribution in the performing arts of Pakistan. She had also won highest civil award of Japan in recognition of her works. She had also received Hilal-e-Imtiaz Award from the President of Pakistan, in 2012. Fatima Surayya Bajia had also worked as an advisor to CM Sindh for literacy.