Noted comedian 'Mastana' being remembered today

LAHORE: The third death anniversary of stage comedian Murtaza Hasan, widely known as 'Mastana' is being observed today, ARY News reported.

Mastana, who worked for stage and TV dramas for about four decades, was born in Gujranwala.

Before joining the field of theatre, he was an embroiderer. In 70s he started doing theatre in Gujranwala. He did his first play in Lahore at the Open Air Theatre, 'Bagh-i-Jinnah', entitled ‘Visa Passport’.

Mastana was a student of late TV actor Fakhari Ahmed. His popular stage plays include 'Shartiya Mithay', 'Kotha', (written and directed by Mastana himself), 'Ashiqo Gham Na Kero', 'Bashira in Trouble' and 'Shabash Begum'.

He left working in theatre in the year 2004-5 because of increasing vulgarity and nudity and had a transformation, and he started visiting various shrines, leaving theatre for good.

Besides stage Mastana also performed in some PTV plays such as 'Shab Daig' and 'Uncle Kiun'.

He was much appreciated for having an individual style and was recognized as a trendsetter in commercial theatre.

Mastana died at the age of 69 on April 11, 2011 after suffering from Hepatitus C at Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH). He was survived by a widow and a son.