Veteran actor Farooq Zameer passes away

Veteran TV actor Farooq Zameer died on Thursday after a protracted illness at the Combined Military Hospital, Lahore where he was admitted a little more than a week ago. He was 76.

Funeral prayers for the late actor will be offered on Saturday on the return of one of his sons from the US. He left behind a widow, three sons and a daughter.

The artist community and various cultural and literary organisations have expressed their profound grief on the demise of the seasoned actor.

A businessman by profession, Farooq Zameer started his artistic career from PTV in the 60s and shot to fame for his roles in various television serials and plays, including Guriya, Shamail and Suragh-i-Zindagi.

Farooq’s performance soon got noticed and he was offered more roles, even by by private channels. Mukmala Aur Mahira was a hit and he won rave reviews for his acting in the serial.

He also worked in Khandan-i-Shughlia, another hit drama serial. He also acted in Tum Bhi Kaho and Kaghaz Ki Nao, two hit serials aired by PTV and ATV. He was conferred Presidential Pride of Performance award in 2001.

Originally published in Dawn, February 24th, 2017