Evergreen actor Behroze Sabzwari marked 50 years in the entertainment industry with a tribute that brought together artists, diplomats and close friends, reflecting both the length of his career and the relationships he built along the way. A special ceremony was organised by the Lifestyle Journalists Association, attended by senior and younger figures from film and television, as well as diplomatic representatives.
Among those present were Javed Sheikh, Bushra Ansari, Saleem Sheikh, Rubina Ashraf, Shabbir Jan, Nabeel, Shehroz Sabzwari, Sadaf Kanwal, Shehzad Nawaz, Dr Rafia Rafiq, Amjad Shah, Dr Farooq Sattar and Saleem Javed. The Consul Generals of Thailand, Russia and Australia were also in attendance. Sabzwari cut a cake to mark the milestone, while a showreel tracing his 50 year artistic journey was screened for the audience.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Sabzwari’s son Shehroz reflected on his father’s influence beyond acting. “My love for cars and watches came from my father, and I’ve always learned from him that one should always appreciate good things and good work,” he said. Shehroz added that his father had always emphasised honesty, noting that their similar tastes and values had been lessons he continued to carry with him.
Long time colleague Javed Sheikh described Sabzwari as both an artist and a deeply dependable person. “Behroze Sabzwari is a true artist and a remarkable human being; he stands by his fellow artists in their times of pain and difficulty,” he said. Recalling their years of friendship, Sheikh added that Sabzwari was someone who would respond immediately if called upon, regardless of the hour. He spoke of their shared involvement in the car business and praised Sabzwari as a devoted father, husband and friend, adding that such qualities were rare.
Bushra Ansari described him simply as a beloved figure, saying, “Behroze has won all our hearts; he is a beloved artist.” Rubina Ashraf shared a more personal memory, recalling how Sabzwari supported her during illness. “When I had Covid, Behroze Sabzwari took me to the hospital on a wheelchair,” she said. She added that with much of her family based in Lahore, Sabzwari had become her strongest support system in Karachi, whether it was during moments of illness or everyday decisions.
Film star Saleem Sheikh also congratulated Sabzwari, noting that completing 50 years in the industry was no small achievement. “We have worked together in many films and dramas; completing fifty years is no small achievement, and I congratulate him,” he said.
Reflecting on the milestone himself, Sabzwari acknowledged the honours he had received over the years, including the Pride of Performance in 2009 and the Sitara e Imtiaz in 2023. He said these awards belonged not to him alone but to his teachers. He also spoke candidly about the practical realities of sustaining a career in entertainment, recalling that he sold cars for nearly 30 years when income from television dramas was not enough. He credited Javed Sheikh for his support during that period, saying he would never forget that favour and would always stand by him.
Sabzwari noted that while he had worked in numerous dramas and films, it was the character of Qabacha that became his lasting identity. He entered show business while still a school student, initially hoping to become a pilot before continuing in acting. He began his career at Radio Pakistan as a radio presenter and achieved wider recognition through the PTV play Khuda Ki Basti in 1974, based on Shaukat Siddiqui’s work, where he played the character of Noushay. Earlier, in 1967, he had appeared in his first drama Nana Jan Dada Jan.
Roles such as Mangu in Mera Naam Hai Mangu and Qabacha in Haseena Moin’s classic Tanhaiyaan brought him widespread fame, with Qabacha remaining closely associated with his name. His television career went on to include projects such as Ankahi, Professor, Hanste Baste, Chhote Baray Log, Mandi, Zarb e Taqseem, Sach Gaya Bach, Awazain, Sachay, Seth and Company and No Paisa No Problem among many others.
Beyond television, Sabzwari also earned praise for his work in radio and theatre, particularly his performance in the stage production Mirza Ghalib Bandar Road Par. He appeared in dozens of films, largely in comedic roles, with notable titles including Dilwale, Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein, Naseeb, Hullchal, Chief Sahib, Mushkil, Ek Aur Love Story, Khilay Aasman Ke Neechay, Chalay Thay Saath, Punjab Nahi Jaungi and the more recent Neelofar, in which he played the character Fakhru.
Five decades on, the celebration reflected not just the longevity of Behroze Sabzwari’s career, but the enduring affection and respect he has earned across generations of Pakistani entertainment.