End of an era: Tributes pour in for Mirza Shahi

Veteran TV actor Mirza Shahi passed away in Karachi on Tuesday, a week after being diagnosed with coronavirus. Shahi’s health deteriorated after contracting the deadly virus and he was shifted to Civil Hospital, Karachi where he was put on a ventilator, his daughter earlier told The Express Tribune.

Along with Shahi, both his wife and daughter had also tested positive for Covid-19. Tributes started pouring in soon after the news of his passing away broke.

Adnan Siddiqui took to social media and penned a heartfelt note. "Deeply saddened by the demise of Mirza Shahi sahib. Fought like a warrior but whatever is Allah’s will. Let’s remember the legacy of work he leaves behind. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah. Prayers to the family," he shared.

Shaan Shahid, too, was deeply saddened by the veteran actor's demise. "I was such a big fan of Mirza Sahab's work. What a fine actor and a gentleman. May his soul rest in peace. The characters that he played live in our hearts and mind," the Waar star wrote.

Mishi Khan asked fans to pray for Shahi and remarked, "So very sad to hear the death of a lovely person and dedicated actor Mirza Shahi Sahab," adding, "Such a huge loss. Inna Iillahe Waina Illehe Rajaoon. May his soul rest in peace. Ameen."

Fahad Mustafa, Faysal Qureshi, Imran Ashraf, and his Nadaaniyan co-star Nida Yasir expressed condolences to the late actor's family.

Renown critic Omair Alavi took to Twitter and gave an insight into the veteran star's decades-long career. "Veteran TV and film actor Mirza Shahi loses his life to Covid-19," he said. "He was part of films even before legendary Nadeem made his debut, was constantly making the audience laugh from Fifty Fifty to Nadaniyan, and viewers still remember his Kisi ne Mera Bakra to Nahi Dekha act on TV!"

Earlier, Shahi’s co-stars from the popular TV serial of the early 2000s, Nadaniyan had shown concern over the health of the veteran actor.

End of an Era:

Shahi began his fruitful acting career from the film industry of East Pakistan in the '60s. In 1967, he acted in actor Nadeem's first film Chakori. He settled in Karachi with his family after the creation of Bangladesh. He also did small jobs due to financial difficulties after emigrating from East Pakistan in 1971.

Later, at PTV Karachi Center he started acting again through dramas of various producers. He showed his talent of acting in most of the PTV dramas including Fifty-Fifty and he also got fame from the comedy drama serial Hai Jedi with Athar Shah Khan. He also acted in a private drama production some time ago.