LAHORE, March 9: Film star Aasia passed away in Canada after a protracted illness. She was 61.

Social media broke the news of her death.

Aasia, whose real name was Firdous, joined the film industry as an actress in early 1970s and left it in mid-90s. She was introduced to Lollywood by film director Riaz Shahid in his movie, Gharnata. Once she stepped into the film industry, there was no looking back. She acted in over 100 films.

She soon became the first choice of many directors because of her superb acting skills.

Aasia left the industry in mid-90s after getting disillusioned with the attitude of producers and directors.

First she moved to Singapore, but finally made Canada her home. She never came into contact with industry people after she quit it and never tried to rejoin the film industry in Pakistan.

However, she visited Karachi two years ago for treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital. Then she quietly went back to Canada.

Aasia, whose husband is a Karachi-based businessman, is survived by two daughters.

Among her popular films are Maula Jatt, Wehshi Jatt, Wada, Sehray Kay Phool, Sher Khan, Pehli Nazar and Char Khun Dey Piyasay.

Film director Shabab Keranvi cast her in his film Insaan Aur Admi. The directors she worked with included Riaz Shahid, Iftikhar Khan, Altaf Husain, Aslam Dar, Hasan Askari and Younus Malik.

Aasia acted both in Punjabi and Urdu films.

According to film circles, her funeral will be held in Canada.

Film director Aslam Dar, commenting on Aasia’s death, said he found her one of the most punctual heroines he had come across in his film career. Mr Dar said Aasia was a very dedicated actress who never gave directors cause for complaint.

He said Sultan Rahi was also a very dynamic actor who never tired of acting and same was the case with Aasia.

“I am really grieved at her death. she was a wonderful actress she worked in many of my films such as Anokha Daj, Baray Mian Diwanay and Goga,” he added.

Another film director, Altaf Husain, said she was hard working and always tried to come up to the expectations of her directors.

“Aasia acted in a number of my films, including 10 numbri, Char Khun Dey Piyasay and Athra Puthar.”

Film writer Pervaiz Kaleem said Aasia had made an immense contribution to the film industry.

Actress Babra Sharif said she found Aasia to be a wonderful actress. “I am really sad to know that one of our fine actresses has died,” said Babra Sharif.