LAHORE, June 16: Friends and fans were in a shock on Thursday after learning about the demise of famous TV actor Badiuzzaman on Tuesday in Lahore. He was 75.

Zaman had left Pakistan for England in the Zia's regime in the 80s where he emerged as a prominent actor of the British cinema. “I had no time to inform the media about the death of Zaman uncle,” said Dr Rizwan, nephew of the late Zaman.

He said the funeral and burial had been made a private affair and only close friends and family members attended them.

Zaman came to Pakistan last month, Rizwan said, adding that he was taken to various hospitals for his treatment. He was admitted to Shalimar Hospital where he passed away peacefully on Tuesday and he was laid to rest in the Tajpura Scheme graveyard.

Zaman was born in Phoolpur, Azamgarh, a district now part of India, in 1935. He was one of the founder artistes of the Pakistan Television in the 60s. Among his PTV plays, Teesra Kinara and Gora Baba ki Wapsi, are quite prominent.

In 1980s, he left Pakistan for Britain escaping the suppression wreaked on artistes by the brutal Zia regime. His appearance in film 'Mela' by Salman Peerzada had offended the military rule. In the film, Zaman playing the role of a clown passed satirical comments on the political situation.

In Britain, Zaman made waves in the British-Asian cinema and theatre and soon he was amongst the established actors of theater, film and television. His prominent works include TV serials Sammy and Rosie, and Guantanamo.

He also acted in film 'The Winter of Love' playing the character of Chacha Mali, which depicted the desperation of many of his generation nostalgic. 'The Winter of Love' is a drama by Zaman that gets under the skin of Asian life with its atmospheric visuals and a compelling soundtrack. He acted in 56 British films.

Veteran TV actress Samina Ahmed said Zaman was an acclaimed actor. She said besides TV, Zaman had also performed theatre at Alhamra Art Centre. “I don't remember the name of the play, which we did together. Only I remember is that Romana was also in the play directed by Farooq Zameer,” she said.

TV star Saba Pervaiz said that besides a great actor, Zaman was also a great human being. He mostly worked in Britain but his performances in Pakistan were also of great caliber, she added.

Actor Abid Ali recollecting the memories of the days he spent with Zaman said that he was a loving person and would encourage juniors in professional matters.

He said Zaman was fond of palmistry and astrology and he had extensively studied these two subjects. He said Zaman had married a Morocco woman but the marriage ended up on divorce as she was not willing to settle with him in Britain.

TV producer Ayub Khawar said that Zaman was an actor of substance, adding unfortunately he never had an opportunity to work with Zaman.