Yasmeen Ismail, famous Pakistani TV actress and theater director was born in Rawalpindi, on 28th March, 1950, to an army family. She was a very hard working student and was good in extracurricular activities as well. She got married to a businessman, Tariq Ismail, in 1974, and was blessed with a son and a daughter.
Yasmeen Ismail’s relation to PTV and Media started way back in 60’s. She was indeed a great actor. She knew how to put life in her character. She knew the art of expressions. She acted with many renowned starts like Sajid Hasan, Latif Kapadia, and Shehnaz Sheikhn Marina Khan.
She is best known for her play ‘Sheeshay kay admi’ in the 60’s and ‘Tanhaiyan’ in 1985 for PTV. She contributed in theatre also. Yasmeen Ismail, herself also directed around 24 plays, while she was the head of Gripp Theatre, Karachi in 80’s. But unfortunately, people did not value her much as an actor.
She was an incredible person at heart. Very sweet and humble. And I can say that because I once, myself met her in Islamabad, while she was having a walk in front of her house. Yasmeen Ismail did not even know us but still, she greeted my mother and me with great pleasure and love.
Yasmeen Ismail had been a patient of ovarian cancer. She fought with her disease for five years and eventually lost at the price of her life on 18th January, 2002, on Friday in Karachi at the age of 51.
The last theater play she directed before death was Osama Ho To Samanay Aiy. Yasmeen Ismail, was indeed a glorified beauty, taken for granted by Pakistani media, yet appreciated by her fans. She will be missed always, by the ones who love her. Pakistan lost a great talent.
