Durdana Butt, a name that doesn’t need any introduction, passed away yesterday after battling Covid-19. Best known as Bibi from cult classic ‘Tanhaiyan’, she was praised for her acting and incredible nature. She was fondly called Dudi Aapa by most of her fellow artists. Durdana Butt has several superhit projects to her credit. Let’s reminisce about some of her memorable works and great contributions to the entertainment industry.
Beginning of her career
After completing her Educational Administration Degree from Ohio, she returned to her hometown Lahore to make a career in acting and modelling. Durdana Butt was first noticed in PTV’s classic play ‘Fifty Fifty’. She starred in a short skit opposite late Moin Akhtar which caused her to get popular among the audience due to her natural performance.
Breakthrough
Later, Durdana Butt’s role in Anwar Maqsood’s ‘Aangan Terha’ turned out to be one of her most memorable performances. The short but impactful appearances led her to star opposite legendary artist Moin Akhtar again in his popular play ‘Naukar Ke Aagay Chaakar’. Her career accelerated when she got a chance to work in late Haseena Moin’s ‘Tanhaiyan’.
In 1985, PTV brought its most popular drama serial featuring Marina Khan and Shahnaz Sheikh. Among the stellar cast, Durdana Butt played the character of a house help and mother figure to the two leading ladies. Bibi’s character is still remembered as Durdana Butt’s career-defining role which became hugely popular among the masses. Later she worked in several PTV plays namely ‘Cousins’, ‘Raani’, and ‘Chhoti Si Kahaani – aka A Little Story’.
Her soft-spoken nature and sweet persona would always make the viewer adore the character and her natural performance would always leave a long-lasting impact on screen.
In the 2000s
Durdana Butt took a break for a short period and returned back in 2011 with five drama serials including PTV’s ‘Chhoti Si Kahaani’. She played the iconic role of Maa Jee in ARY Digital’s much-loved sitcom ‘Dugdugi’ along with Shagufta Ijaz, Azfar Rehman, Ashraf Khan, and Nausheen Shah. The project went well for four years with its subtle humour and powerful performances.
Durdana Butt also worked in two sequels of popular comedy plays. In 2011, she featured in HUM TV’s ‘Phir Chaand Pe Dastak’, a sequel to the Ramzaan serial ‘Chaand Pe Dastak’. In 2012, the actress reprised her most popular role from ‘Tanhaiyan’ in its sequel ‘Tanhaiyan Naye Silsilay’. She was last seen in 2019 on-screen in ARY Digital’s ‘Ruswai’ and blockbuster movie ‘Parey Hut Love’.
A fine artist like Durdana Butt was indeed a gem for the industry. The veteran artist had also been battling cancer, but she died due to the virus. We pay an earnest tribute to this legendary actress who will always live on in our hearts.
