LAHORE: Veteran TV actor Farooq Zameer died on Thursday after a protracted illness at the Combined Military Hospital where he was admitted to more than a week ago. He was 76.

Funeral prayers for the late actor will be offered on Saturday on the return of one of his sons from the US. He left behind a widow, three sons and a daughter.

The artist community and various cultural and literary organisations have expressed their profound grief on the demise of the seasoned actor.

A businessman by profession, Farooq Zamree started his artistic career from PTV in 60s and shot to fame for his roles in various television serials and plays, including Guriya, Shamail and Suragh-i-Zindagi (a long play).

Farooq’s performance soon got noticed and he was offered more roles, also by private channels. “Mukmala Aur Mahira” was a hit and he won rave reviews for his acting in the serial.

He also worked in Khandan-i-Shughlia, another hit drama serial. He also acted in Tum Bhi Kaho and Kaghaz Ki Nao, two hit serials aired by PTV and ATV. He was conferred Presidential Pride of Performance award in 2001.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2017