A look at Durdana Butt’s journey

Veteran actress Durdana Butt has been a part of the Pakistani entertainment industry for more than four decades. Being an established household name, people from all walks of life recognize her for being an incredibly talented and versatile actress. Widely acknowledged for her positive and fun on-screen presence, the renowned actress was born in Lahore on May 9, 1938, and holds a Ph.D. degree in Ohio Educational Administration.

It was a shocking Monday evening for not just her fans but also fellow showbiz actors as the news of her being hospitalized surfaced on social media. Actor Khalid Malik shared the heart-breaking news via an Instagram post that Durdana Butt has been put on a ventilator as her health deteriorated. Soon after Malik’s post, the internet flooded with love and prayers for the speedy recovery of yesteryear’s television actress as most of us are aware that she has already been battling cancer for the past several years.

Best known for playing warm paternal and maternal roles, interestingly Butt started her TV career by doing small commercials and modeling gigs. Later, she did a comedy role for a theatre in which was she was highly praised for her natural acting and expressions. The veteran artist rose to the national spotlight and gathered critical acclaim when she managed to land herself a role as Safia in the drama Fifty Fifty where she starred opposite the legendary Moin Akhtar in 1978. Two years later, she acted in Aangan Terha as Sultana Sahiba and won everyone’s heart with how she effortlessly carried the character.

The gifted actress also got another chance to act opposite the Sitara-e-Imtiaz holder Moin Akhtar in Naukar Ke Aage Chakar (1982). Until today, she was able to establish her position in the industry as a capable actress who excelled best at comedic and witty roles. Her performance as a Bibi (a mother-like figure) in the drama serial Tanhaiyaan (1985) and its sequel Tanhaiyan Naye Silsilay (2012) was widely lauded.

Dugdugi (2011), Phir Chand Pe Dastak (2011), Intezaar (2016), and  Ruswai (2019) were her renowned dramas. Not only in dramas, Butt made her name in the films as well by performing elderly roles in movies such as Ishq Positive, Balu Mahi (2017), and Parey Hut Love (2019) which was the highest-grossing movie of 2019. She came to The Shareef Show Mubarak Ho where she shared that after completing her education, she was offered a chance to work in the police as she was well-rehearsed in judo karate and knew her way around firearms. However, she saw a bright future in the drama industry thus chose to pursue her career as an actress.

She actively spoke upon social issues and health issues and after getting diagnosed with cancer she appeared in morning shows to spread awareness about cancer and tried to educate people about early diagnosis and recovery. The senior actress has worked in all of three mediums: theatre, film, and TV throughout her career and her natural style of acting also gained her several accolades.

We wish and pray for Durdana Butt’s speedy recovery so she can continue filling laughter in our lives with her excellent acting skills.