Veteran Indian actor Farooq Sheikh dies of heart attack

E-Paper | May 11, 2026

NEW DELHI: Veteran actor Farooq Sheikh, 65, died late on Friday night due to heart attack in Dubai, said a report published on The Times of India website.

He was 65. "He has passed away," a family member said, without disclosing any further details.

His body will be brought to Mumbai later in the day after completing the formalities in Dubai.

He was best known for his films during the 1970s and 1980s. His major contribution was in Parallel Cinema or the New Indian Cinema.

Sheikh was best known for his roles in 'Shatranj Ke Khiladi', 'Chashme Baddoor', 'Kissi Se Na Kehna' and 'Noorie'.

His last film was 'Club 60' and before that he was seen playing the role of a father to Ranbir Kapoor in 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani'.

He acted in many serials and shows on television and performed on stage in famous productions. He also hosted the popular Zee TV show "Jeena issi ka naam hai" in which he interviewed many Bollywood celebrities.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Entertainment

Leena

Dec 28, 2013 09:38am

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un

Recommend 0

SBB

Dec 28, 2013 10:12am

RIP Sir. Great contributions to Indian cinema.

Recommend 0

Feroz

Dec 28, 2013 10:54am

A very fine and versatile actor who was more interested in Theatre than Films. May his Soul rest in Peace.

Recommend 0

Tahir Tanveer

Dec 28, 2013 11:13am

He was indeed a brilliant actor. He also starred in movies "Umrao Jaan" and "Bazaar".

Recommend 0

syed wasim haider

Dec 28, 2013 11:28am

A fine, descent gentleman; may his soul rest in peace, Amen

Recommend 0

karunakar

Dec 28, 2013 11:55am

subtle refreshing actor who the urban youth of the 70s and 80s could identify with. unexpected end to a man who gave us many enjoyable hours. RIP

Recommend 0

Nasir

Dec 28, 2013 12:34pm

My all time favorite hero, may Allah bless his soul. I recently watched his movie Club 60. You will be always remembered.

Recommend 0

ramesh

Dec 28, 2013 02:31pm

Very sad one of my all time favorite actor. I had seen his film cashme baddor atleast 25/30 times

Recommend 0

raja hindustani

Dec 28, 2013 02:57pm

Shocking news for all his fans across the globe...!!! He was one of the best actor in indian film industry. We will miss him. RIP Farooq sa'ab.

Recommend 0

skeptic

Dec 28, 2013 03:07pm

Sad to hear that.He was a wonderful actor,ultimate king of under stated. May God bless his soul

Recommend 0

Shekhar Patel

Dec 28, 2013 03:10pm

"Tumko dekha to ye khayal aaya - Zindagi dhoop tum ghana saya ". Rest in peace the most affable actor in the Indian film fraternity without doubt - A fellow Gujarati.

Recommend 0

sharma

Dec 28, 2013 04:49pm

Great loss. may he rest in peace. Indian cinema has lost a stalwart. There is no other Sheikh. He cannot be replaced. However his movies will live with us Indians across the generations and make us laugh and cry.prayers and condolences for his family.

Recommend 0

ismat

Dec 28, 2013 05:50pm

ALLAH issay jannat naseeb karay . may his soul rest in peace .what a fine actor

Recommend 0

Siddharth Shastri

Dec 28, 2013 07:45pm

I have seen those movies, but I remember him best for his role in a documentary dedicated to the great singers of our movie industry, and their immortal melodies. A substantial part of the documentary covered Noor Jahan's last visit to Mumbai, and the emotional welcome given to her by the huge audience, and the stars of the Hindi Cinema industry ... Dilip Kumar, Naushad, and many others from yesteryear s. Condolences to all admirers and the family.

Recommend 0

Rashid Sultan

Dec 28, 2013 09:19pm

An accomplished actor. He deserved much more recognition and prominence than he was given by critics and the media.

Recommend 0

mdawson@rediffmail.com

Dec 28, 2013 09:45pm

great loss indeed !!!!

Recommend 0

hash brown

Dec 28, 2013 10:37pm

@Nasir: he was known primarily for his role in Rekha starer "Umrao Jaan".

Recommend 0

Ayesha Khan

Dec 28, 2013 11:23pm

One of my favorite artists, a super performer. May his soul rest in peace.

Recommend 0

Afsar

Dec 29, 2013 10:39am

What a great actor, my all time favorite movie of his is Umrao Jaan. He was also good in a movie called 'Ek Pal' with Shabana Azmi and Nassiruddin Shah. What a power packed performance all three gave. A must see. He gave grace to the show called 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai'. Once he left the show, it died a natural death. Actors like him are a rare breed. RIP Farook, we will miss you.

Recommend 0

Deepak Talwar

Dec 29, 2013 04:13pm

A big thank you to Farooq Sheikh for all the joy he gave to millions of us with his brilliant performances. I rarely watch Bollywood films but watched all his movies and loved them all, also his play Tumhari Amrita with Shabana Azmi.

Recommend 0

TKhan

Dec 29, 2013 04:50pm

In Aankhon ki Masti kay Deevaanay Hazaaron Hain - Umrao Jan Om My God, his expression through his eyes during that song and dance by Rekha - un-matchable piece of acting. Thank you and RIP Sir.

Recommend 0

Azam

Dec 30, 2013 01:07am

Umrao Jan was a Masterpiece by Sheikh Sahib. May Allah bless his Soul.

Recommend 0

NASAH (USA)

Dec 30, 2013 09:33am

A great actor and a great film historian. May his soul rest in peace.

Recommend 0

Hamza Sheikh

Dec 30, 2013 04:31pm

I am very sad to hear about such loss. He has done remarkable work in the industry, and people will always remind him from his expressions and acting. In the very last film with Ranbir Kapoor, he already illustrated his own death.

Recommend 0

shakir

Dec 30, 2013 09:19pm

@Leena: He was an outstanding artist.I listen his interview and very much impressed.

Recommend 0

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Dec 31, 2013 07:35am

INNA LILLA HAY WA INNA ILLEHEY RAJYOON. From Almighty God we come and to HIM we all have to return one day, sooner or later. Successful are only those who have spent this mortal and transient life in line with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Great Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). May God Almighty bless the departed soul with peace and solace in the Jannatual Firdous and grant the necessary courage, fortitude and strength to the bereaved family, friends, relatives, peers, pals, fans, colleagues, classmates, associates, sponsors, supporters, community and clan members to bear the irreparable loss. Aameen, Tsum Aameen.

Recommend 0

Mady

Dec 31, 2013 09:36am

RIP Farooq sir. I will remember his lovely roles in Chasme Baddoor, Saath-Saath etc.... and great onscreen chemistry with Dipti Naval. They made acting so effortless and natural.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Pakistan’s first premium plug-in hybrid E-SUV officially hits the roads as Chery Master begins Tiggo 9 PHEV deliveries

This accelerated rollout is backed by the manufacturing strength, operational capability and over 60 years of industrial and automotive legacy of Master Group.

'Where Silence Falls and Survival Speaks': The last guardian of Gabral Valley

In the remote Hindu Kush, Gabral Valley empties each year as winter approaches, leaving behind only one man who stays to guard its frozen silence.

Master Group of Industries: Driving Pakistan's future through carbon negative innovation

By embracing clean energy solutions, the group continues to contribute toward lowering dependence on conventional energy sources and encouraging a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.