LAHORE: Veteran actor Ghayyur Akhtar passed away here on Friday. He was 69.

Akhtar had a paralysis attack three years back. He was also suffering from diabetes and blood pressure. He is survived by two sons and a widow.

Akhtar’s elder son Usama told Dawn his father’s condition deteriorated on Thursday night and he was rushed to Services Hospital. “Doctors tried their best but my father could not survive,” said Usama.

Ghayyur Akhtar did matriculation from the Iqbal High School, Garhi Shahu, and BA from the Punjab University.

He started his professional career from Radio Pakistan, Lahore, in the 1970s and got immense popularity after appearing in TV plays in the 80s.

His performances in drama serials such as Khwaja and Sons and Sona Chandi on the PTV were appreciated by the viewers.

Akhtar was particularly famous for his comedy roles. His popular plays include Waris, Path Jarh, Rahain, Aiank Wala Jin, Sitara and Afsar Bekar-i-Khas. He also performed many roles in about a dozen films and debuted in Direct Hawaldar.

Akhtar was awarded Tamgha-e-Imtaiz. The nameplate at the main gate of artist’s house reads, ‘Ghayyur Akhtar, PTV, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.

Many artistes, including Sohail Ahmed and Irfan Khoosat, visited the deceased’s house for condolence.

He was laid to rest in Mian Mir graveyard at night.