Actor Sarwat Gilani has mourned the death of her close friend Masooma in an emotional Instagram tribute, describing her passing as a loss that has left “a void that words cannot fill” while reflecting on grief, family and gratitude through a series of heartfelt posts.

Announcing the news on Instagram, Gilani shared throwback photographs of the pair alongside mutual friends and expressed her disbelief over Masooma’s passing.

“You left us too soon, my sweetheart. My dearest Masooma. It is impossible to believe that you are no longer with us. Waking up to the heartbreaking news of your passing has left a void that words cannot fill,” she wrote.

Remembering her friend’s warmth and vibrant spirit, Gilani said Masooma had a rare ability to make “people feel lighter, happier and loved.” She ended the tribute by offering prayers and wishing peace and strength for Masooma’s family and loved ones.

Alongside the tribute, Gilani shared a series of Instagram Stories documenting moments from her week, using them to reflect on resilience, motherhood and the importance of cherishing meaningful experiences with family.

One Story showed her praying and spending time with her children through activities including horse riding and painting.

Screengrab: sarwatg/Instagram

“Sit through the process. That’s where life teaches you that the best things are never free—they’re built with patience, hard work, sacrifice, resilience and time. The most meaningful memories don’t just happen; they’re created with intention,” she wrote.

The actor also reflected on motherhood, describing her firstborn as “the beginning of a journey that changes you forever.”

In another Story, Gilani shared a photograph from a visit to a local school, recalling how a young girl’s kindness changed her perspective.

“I thought I had come to give. Instead, a little girl with almost nothing taught me that generosity isn’t born from abundance—it comes from the heart,” she wrote.

Screengrab: sarwatg/Instagram

Gilani concluded the series with a photograph of herself riding a horse alongside one of her children.

“The great inheritance isn’t wealth—it’s the passions we pass from one generation to the next,” she wrote.

Screengrab: sarwatg/Instagram

The posts collectively offered a poignant reminder to value time with loved ones, embrace life’s difficult moments and pass on compassion, resilience and meaningful traditions to future generations.

Gilani has previously spoken publicly about coping with personal loss. During a recent appearance on a morning show, she reflected on the deaths of her father, Syed Feroz Shah Gilani, a former army captain, and her father-in-law, Dr Zubair Mirza, a surgeon with Pakistan International Airlines.

Earlier this month, she also honoured both men in a Father’s Day tribute, remembering them alongside fathers who are no longer with their families.