Veteran actor Mazhar Ali is no more

KARACHI:

Veteran television actor Mazhar Ali passed away after a protracted cardiac and lung diseases in Karachi on Tuesday at the age of 70, according to Pakistan Television (PTV). He is survived by his widow and three children.

Ali was receiving treatment for his illness and had recently come to Pakistan from America. His sister, Ahla Imran, told a private news channel that Ali had been admitted to a hospital for three weeks and passed away in his sleep.

Ali started his career at PTV and garnered immense fame for his remarkable acting skills. He played memorable roles in several dramas, including Afshan, Aroosa, Shaheen, Kali Deemak, Kaanch Ki Gurya, Girah and Haala.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Ali, saying that his services to the television would always be remembered.

"Today we have lost a great artist and a respected human being," Tarar said in a statement. "Mazhar Ali mesmerised us with his artistic skills and made a home in our hearts with his acting," he said, adding that Ali's death caused an irreparable loss to the Pakistani drama industry.

Fans and colleagues also mourned the loss of the veteran actor, who bade adieu to the showbiz industry in 2006. "Lots of memories with this great actor and gentleman," Actor Bushra Ansari expressed her grief in an Instagram post, sharing a picture of her with Ali.