Lollywood celebrates Rangeela on 13th death anniversary

Legendary actor, singer and producer passed away on May 24, 2005

LAHORE: The 13th death anniversary of legend comedian Mohammad Saeed Khan, widely known as Rangeela, will be celebrated in Lahore tomorrow.

Film related personalities classed him as one of the greatest stars of Lollywood back in the day. Khan, who was also a producer, writer, director, singer and actor, performed in around 300 Lollywood films during the ‘golden days’ of the Pakistani film industry. He worked within showbiz for around four decades and was considered to be one of the top comedians in all of Asia.

PHOTO: SCREENGRAB

“Rangeela not only showed his talent in the field of comedy but was one of the best in every other aspect of the film industry,” senior film and stage actor Shiba Butt told The Express Tribune. “He was an extraordinary man who impressed everyone with his talent. Rangeela not only won awards for comedy but won a number of awards in other fields which included singing, directing, producing and writing.”

Fellow stars say that he was someone who entertained and impressed through his own style of comedy, winning dozens of awards and hearts all over. “There is currently no one like Rangeela in Lollywood. He was a simple man but was enriched with God gifted talent. He truly ruled in the industry for about four decades as he excelled in every category, be it acting, writing or producing,” said senior film director Altaf Hussain.

Bilawal Bhutto visits late actor Madeeha Gohar's home to pay condolences to her family

Khan was born in Nangar, Afghanistan, in 1937 but his family migrated to Peshawar when he was just a young boy. He eventually moved to Lahore when Lollywood was at its peak and started off his career writing billboards for films.

With time, Khan landed a small comedy role which went on to open many doors for him in the film industry. He started his budding film career in 1958 with Punjabi film Jatti, an M J Rana directorial. Soon enough, the late star made a name for himself and earned much fame due to his unique acting.

PHOTO: SCREENGRAB

Khan then established his owned film company titled Rangeela Productions and produced many super hit films under his banner. These included Rangeela, Dil Aur Dunya, Dia Aur Tufaan, Dosti, Zidi, Kubra Aashiq, Insaan Aur Gadha and Madam Bowery among many others. The artist also wrote many of the songs which featured in his films and gained even more admiration through that art of songwriting.

Khan passed away on May 24, 2005, aged 68. “The memories I have of Rangeela are still very fresh in my mind, even though it has been such a long time since he passed,” expressed senior film actor Durdana Rahman. “I see his face when I listen to Ga Mere Manwa Gata Ja Re from Diya Aur Toufaan as Rangeela sang it himself. The time that Rangeela was in the industry was definitely the golden era of Lollywood. Those days will not return as there can never be another like him.”

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.