Google honored the memory of the legendary Pakistani writer and puppeteer, Farooq Qaiser, on what would have been his 78th birthday. Farooq Qaiser was born on October 31, 1945, in Sialkot, Pakistan, and his creative contributions to children’s entertainment continue to be cherished by generations.
Farooq Qaiser played a pivotal role in shaping children’s entertainment on Pakistan Television, where his beloved puppet character, “Uncle Sargam,” became an iconic figure. Introduced in 1976, Uncle Sargam quickly captured the hearts of children and remained a cultural touchstone for those growing up in Pakistan until the early 2000s. The character was inspired by one of Qaiser’s teachers from Romania.
Notably, Farooq Qaiser not only wrote the scripts for Uncle Sargam and “Masi Museebatay” but also lent his voice to the character of Sargam himself. His dedication to puppetry extended beyond the television screen, as he performed live puppet shows across the country, bringing joy to countless young audiences.
Qaiser’s remarkable journey in the world of puppetry and entertainment was rooted in his education. He was a graduate of the National College of Arts in Romania, where he honed his artistic skills. Furthermore, he pursued studies in graphics and puppetry at the University of Bucharest in Romania, deepening his understanding of the art form.
Farooq Qaiser’s contributions extended beyond entertainment, as he also shared his knowledge and passion with students in various universities across Pakistan. His written work, including columns for the Daily Nai Baat, showcased his versatile talent and commitment to the arts.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment and puppetry, Farooq Qaiser was awarded the prestigious “Pride of Performance” by the Government of Pakistan in 1992. Later, in 2010, Pakistan Television presented him with a well-deserved lifetime achievement award.
Sadly, Farooq Qaiser passed away in 2021 after suffering a heart attack. His legacy continues to live on through the characters he created and the joy he brought to generations of Pakistani children.
Google’s heartfelt tribute on Farooq Qaiser’s 78th birthday serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of his work, which continues to be celebrated and cherished by people of all ages in Pakistan and beyond.
