50 years later, Behroze Sabzwari is still the Qabacha we love

Evergreen actor Behroze Sabzwari marked 50 years in the entertainment industry with a tribute that brought together artistes, diplomats and close friends, reflecting both the length of his career and the relationships he built along the way. A special ceremony was organized by the Association of Lifestyle Journalists, attended by senior and junior figures from film and television, as well as diplomatic representatives.

Those present included 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 Consuls General of Thailand, Russia and Australia were also present. Sabzwari cut a cake to mark the milestone, while a showreel tracing his 50-year artistic journey was screened for the audience.

Talking to you The Express TribuneSabzwari’s son Shehroz reflected on his father’s influence beyond acting. “My love for cars and watches came from my father and I always learned from him that you should always appreciate good things and good work,” he said. Shehroz added that his father always emphasized honesty, noting that their similar tastes and values ​​were lessons he continued to carry with him.

Long-time colleague Javed Sheikh described Sabzwari as both an artist and a deeply trustworthy person. “Behroze Sabzwari is a true artist and a remarkable human being; he stands by his fellow artists in their moments of pain and hardship,” he said. Recalling their years of friendship, Sheikh added that Sabzwari was someone who would respond immediately if called upon, regardless of the time. He spoke of their joint 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 Shabzuari supported her during her illness. “When I had Covid, Behroze Sabzwari took me to the hospital in a wheelchair,” he said. She added that with much of her family based in Lahore, Sabzwari had become her strongest support system in Karachi, be it in 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 accolades he had received over the years, including Pride of Performance in 2009 and Sitara e Imtiaz in 2023. He said these awards did not belong to him alone but to his teachers. He also spoke candidly about the practical realities of maintaining a career in entertainment, recalling that he sold cars for nearly 30 years when income from TV dramas wasn’t enough. He credited Javed Sheikh for his support during that time, saying he would never forget this favor and would always stand by him.

Sabzwari noted that while he had worked in many dramas and films, it was the character of Qabacha that became his lasting identity. He joined the show while still a student, initially hoping to become a pilot before pursuing acting. He started his career in Radio Pakistan as a radio presenter and achieved wider recognition through the show PTV Huda Ki Basti in 1974, based on Shaukat Siddiqui’s play, where he played the character of Noushay. Earlier in 1967, he had appeared in his first drama Nana Jan Dada Jan.

Roles like Mangu in Mera Naam Hai Mangu and Qabacha in Haseena Moin’s classic Tanhaiyaan it brought him widespread fame, with Qabacha remaining closely associated with his name. His television career continued with projects such as Ankahi, Professor, Get lost, Chhote Baray Log, Mandy, Zarb e Taqseem, Shah Gaya Bach, Awazain, Sachay, Seth and Company and No Paisa No problem among many others.

Apart from television, Sabzwari has also won praise for his work in radio and theatre, particularly his performance in stage productions Mirza Ghalib Bandar Road Par. He appeared in dozens of films, mostly in comedic roles, with notable credits 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 latest Neelofarin which he played the character Fakhru.

Five decades on, the celebration reflected not only the longevity of Behroze Sabzwari’s career, but the enduring affection and respect he has earned across generations of Pakistani entertainers.