LAHORE: Emotional scenes were witnessed on Friday at the funeral of comedy king Amanullah at his residence in Paragon Society that was attended by Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan as well as numerous stage artistes, relatives, friends and fans.

Comedian Honey Albela said that Amanullah was like a shadow over his head that had now gone. Nasir Chinioti broke down, saying that the late comedian was like a father to him, who not only taught him how act on stage, but also how to lead life.

Veteran actor Rashid Mehmood said that Amanulalh was an institution in himself, a great influence and a university that most of the commercial theatre artists followed.

Minister Chohan, talking to the media, said that he was present at the funeral to offer condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the prime minister and chief minister. He said that Amanullah was a great artiste whose void could not be filled.

Arts and Culture Director Zulfiqar Ali Zulfi told the media that Lahore Arts Council will hold a reference in memory of Amanullah on March 11.

Among other prominent names who attended the funeral were actor Nauman Ijaz, Asif Iqbal, Akram Udas, Anwar Ali, Amanat Chan, Kashif Nisar, and Rubi Anum.

Amanullah was laid to rest in the Paragon Society graveyard. According to his family, his qul will be offered on Sunday after Zuhr prayers at the residence.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2020