LAHORE: Popular commercial theatre comedian Tariq Teddy has been hospitalised with lever problem.

His brother Shehbaz told Dawn that Teddy was admitted to the PKLI [Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute] some eight days ago where he has been kept in the intensive care unit.

“He is a bit stable now but is still in the ICU. He was earlier on a ventilator but doctors have removed the ventilator now,” he said.

Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi has directed the health department to take care of him. The chief minister said the government would bear the expenses of Teddy’s treatment.

Chairman Punjab Artistes, Producers Theatre Association Qaiser Sanaullah has lauded the gesture by the CM , saying that Parvez Elahi has always stood by artistes in difficult times.

Tariq Teddy is a stage, film, TV artiste and has to his credit many popular commercial stage plays.

The stage artist community in a joint statement has asked for prayers for the comedian. Naseem Vicky, Iftikhar Thakur, Nasir Chinoti and others have expressed their deep concern over the illness of their colleague.

Raheel Shah, stage plays writer and producer, said Tariq Teddy is a gem who made his name in the commercial theatre back in 90s. He said early stage plays Teddy did were written by him. he said stage producer and director Naheed Khanum had introduced the comedian to the commercial theatre.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2022