It appears as if Pakistan is going through one of the most unfortunate periods in its history. Just nine days after the legendary singer Mehdi Hassan’s death, noted intellectual, documentary filmmaker, TV host and novelist Obaidullah Baig passed away on June 22. He was 75. He was suffering from cancer which was detected at a late stage.

Obaidullah Baig’s was a multi-faceted personality. While his documentaries are no less an important contribution to Pakistani television, it was the quiz show Kasauti on which he was a regular member that catapulted him to fame. The entire nation was impressed by his inordinate knowledge on virtually every subject under the sun. He is survived by his wife Salma Baig and three daughters. Salma Baig too is a known TV personality who used to host a programme called Aap Kay Khutoot on PTV Islamabad Centre in the 1980s. Obaidullah Baig will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, brother.