Ghayyur Akhtar

Ghayyur Akhtar (Punjabi, Urdu: غیُور اختر ), (5 October 1945 – 7 February 2014) was a Pakistani radio, television, film and theater actor.^[1][2] He also worked as a writer, director and producer.^[3]

He is best known for playing a role in the television serial Sona Chandi (1982).

Akhtar was born on 5 October 1945 in Lahore, Punjab, British India. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Punjab in Lahore.^[4]

His younger brother Zill-e-Subhan was also an actor.

He began his acting career in the 1970s with Radio Pakistan.^[5]

He was known as "Hameed Bhai (O Ho Ho Ho)" from his performance on the television serial Sona Chandi and Chacha Barkat from Radio Pakistan because of his "O Ho Ho Ho" dialogue.

He shifted his career to television in the 1980s and appeared on PTV classic serials like Sona Chandi, Khawaja and Son, Waris and soaps like Ainak Wala Jin.^[6][4]

He also appeared in mainstream cinema in Direct Hawaldar (1985),^[7] but television drama remained his major field.^[1]

He also appeared on the Din News political talk show Wah Wah as a Chaudary for over a year.

Akhtar died on 7 February 2014 in Lahore at age 68, after prolonged illness and was laid to rest at Mian Mir Graveyard in the city.^[2][3][4]

In recognition of his services in media, writer and columnist Munnu Bhai wrote two columns called Gir-e-Baan in his honour.

Akhtar was decorated with a Pride of Performance award in 2009^[2][4] as well as Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.^[5]

• Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 2009^[2][6][3][4]
• Tamgha-e-Imtiaz Award in 2003^[5]
• Graduate Award [Two times each from Radio Pakistan (1990–91) and TV (1986–87)]
• Graduate Award (2001–02, Radio Pakistan)
• Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (1999–2000, Organized by Radio)
• PTV Regional Award for Drama Artist (2002–2003).
• Asian Award (1993–94, PTV)
• Musawar Award (1991–92, PTV)
• Bahoo Award (1993–94, PTV)
• Shezan Award (1994–95, PTV)