Remembering Legendary Puppeteer Farooq Qaiser on his 78th Birthday

In honor of what would have been the legendary puppeteer, Farooq Qaiser’s 78th birthday, Google celebrated his creative genius by featuring Uncle Sargam and his companion Masi Museebtay in a doodle.

Keeping its tradition alive, Google commemorated Pakistan’s most notable puppeteer, artist, voice actor, and writer, Farooq Qaiser with a unique doodle, on 1st November 2023.

Ibrahim Hasan Murad vows to promote agricultural innovation

Saudi forces on alert after clash with Iran-backed Houthis

Remembered for his passion behind Uncle Sargam, a fictional puppet character that entertained children and adults alike, Qaiser became a household name across Pakistan. Born on 31st October 1945 in Sialkot, Pakistan, Qaiser studied Fine Art at the National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore where he was first introduced to the world of puppetry. While at NCA, he was invited to work in a children’s program Akkar Bakkar (1971) focused on educating young minds through art.

From there, Qaiser went on to attend the University of Bucharest to pursue his Bachelor’s degree in graphic design and the University of South Carolina for a Master’s in mass communication.

Pakistan, Finland agree to boost cooperation in education sector

Pakistan persistently raising Palestine issue; demands immediate ceasefire: PM

Remembering Legendary Puppeteer Farooq Qaiser on his 78th Birthday | Baaghi TV

Farooq Qaiser pictured alongside statues of his puppets. Courtesy Ali Farooq.

Five years after Akkar Bakkar, in 1976, Qaiser created his own children’s show that resulted in a broadcasting opportunity at PTV (Pakistan Television). Soon after, Kaliyan which translates to flower buds, made its television debut balancing humor and satire while educating young audiences across the country. Its central character, the beloved Uncle Sargam, charmed audiences irrespective of age fast becoming a family-centric comedy show.

Aside from puppetry, Farooq Qaiser served as a columnist and cartoonist for the Daily Nai Baat (an Urdu newspaper), and taught at the Fatima Jinnah Women’s University in Rawalpindi. He also founded the Pakistani chapter of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA) and served as its long-time vice president.

Farooq Qaiser is pictured above. Courtesy Ali Farooq.

Wasim Akram Settles ‘Jasprit Bumrah vs Shaheen Afridi’ Debate Once And For All

Surgeons Operate In Corridors As Israel Bombs Fill Gaza Hospitals

Over the course of his prolific career, Qaiser managed to touch many lives which led to the government granting him the Presidential Pride of Performance in 1993 while UNICEF gave him the title of “Master Puppeteer” in 1997. Additionally, he was awarded the PTV Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.

Farooq Qaiser who passed away in May 2021, continues to live on through his art for his irreplaceable and unmatchable spirit.

Telephone Call between Foreign Minister and USAID Administrator