Naila Jaffri, an actor par excellence!

A renowned gem of Pakistani industry Naila Jaffri passed away on Saturday 17th July 2021 after a long battle with Ovarian cancer, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.

Before being diagnosed with the illness in 2016, Jaffri was a recognized and renowned face on television, known for her splendid performances in drama serials like Aa Mujh ko Satana, Desi Girls, and Thori Si Khushiyan. She was a remarkable person, with elegance and grace. And definitely the one with unnerving strength and courage to survive her last days before getting on to the heavenly abode.

The sparkling career of Naila Jaffri

Spending more than 20 years in the industry is itself life on its whole. Starting her career as a Voice actor for the TV series Drama Hee Drama in 1998. After that made her debut in ‘An Insane Laugh Aka Mehak’ in 2004. She went on to play Ayesha in I’m Locked and in 2009. Finally, Miniseries Noorpur Ki Rani opened many opportunities for her.

Naila Jaffri

Jaffri got featured in Don’t Jealous (2010), Zeenat Bint-e-Sakina Hazir Ho (2010), Lamha Lamha Zindagi (2011), Sanjha (2011), Aks (2012), Woh (2013), Ek Kasak Reh Gayi (2013), Mausam (2014), Woh Dobara (2014), Khata (2014), Nazdikiyaan (2014), Anaya Tumhari Hui (2015), Tere Dar Per (2015), Jaltay Gulab (2015), Tera Mera Rishta (2015), Baray Dhoke Hain Iss Raah Mein (2016), Ghalti (2016) and Khushboo Ka Safar (2016).

In need of recognition as a veteran!

Despite her exceptional and outstanding work for the industry, she did not have a Wikipedia presence; nevertheless, she was famous among her fans and followers.  The actor also appealed to the government to aid her treatment expenses. A video of her recently got viral over social media where she appealed to everyone to support her financially while breaking down in tears.

Also Read: Renowned dramatist Asma Nabeel passes away after battling Cancer

Naila in the video shared, “When I initially joined PTV, I would get royalties for re-run shows and while that amount was nowhere near enough, it was still something and I liked having a stream of disposable income on the side.”

Moreover, Jaffri expressed, “I am bedridden for six years now and while everyone has supported me, loved me, helped me, and motivated me I wish there was some way to gain royalties on some of my last re-run plays,” lamented the actor. “Though I understand that it might not look like a lot to many people, for people like me who stopped working years ago, this support is important.”

Read: Renowned drama writer Haseena Moin passes away

She furthermore requested, “I request and demand that something is done for senior artists in the future since it’s become harder and harder for us to manage.” Before her death, Naila moved to Gulmit Gojal, Gilgit as doctors advised her to spend most of her time in nature.

Celebrities pay tribute and condolence for Naila Jaffri

The news of Jaffri’s passing away shook the industry. Many who came for her support paid tribute and extended their condolences.

Osman Khalid Butt tweets,

Adnan Siddiqui also took to his Twitter to pay condolence,

Actor Yasir Hussain posted on his Instagram,

Mansha Pasha tweets,

Omair Rana writes, “May Naila Jafri Jee’s pain not to go in vain. Verily all comes from Him and to Him, all must return.”

Hina Bayat writes, “You fought with such grace…always grateful even in pain….a gentle, beautiful soul exuding love and affection whenever we spoke… I shall always remember you with that warm, beautiful smile that I heard in your voice & saw in your eyes…”

Pakistan has indeed lost a gem, may she rest in peace!

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