Dawn Images

Actress Nusrat Ara Begum passed away in Lahore today. She was known for playing the flamboyant character of Bil Batori on PTV's Ainak Wala Jinn.

Born in 1964, the actress was admitted in Jinnah Hospital, Lahore due to respiratory issues and started receiving treatment. However, her condition worsened and she was shifted to the ICU where tests were being conducted.

Unfortunately, she suffered a heart attack and passed away this morning.

Begum gained immense popularity for her role in Ainak Wala Jinn but struggled to find work otherwise, forcing her into unemployment and poverty.

Earlier in January, the actress had revealed to the media that she was ill and struggling to survive and needed accommodation, as well as treatment after a recent paralysis attack that affected her left leg. After the news of Nusrat Begum's illness broke, the Pakistan Baitul Mal had pledged Rs10 lakhs for her treatment.

Nusrat Begum is survived by a son Amir Raza and a daughter Anila Raza.

(Reporting by Qasim Arshad)