Veteran actor Mazhar Ali passes away at 66

Renowned television actor Mazhar Ali passed away in Karachi on Tuesday due to cardiac illness. He was 66.

He was settled in the United States and had come to Karachi a few months ago where he was living with his siblings.

The actor's family confirmed his demise and shared that he was a heart patient. He died when he was hospitalised due to a cardiac issue.

Ali’s funeral prayers will be offered today (Wednesday) at the Tayyaba Mosque in Nazimabad no 3 after Maghrib.

The late actor performed in many memorable plays of the Pakistan Television such as Afshan, Uroosa, Shaheen and Badlon Pe Basera. He also appeared in Geo Entertainment's Bol Meri Machli and Khuda Aur Mohabbat along with dramas of other private TV channels.

Arts Council of Pakistan President Muhammad Ahmed Shah expressed deep sorrow over the actor's death.

“Mazhar Ali and I had been friends for years. We were schoolmates,” he recalled, adding that despite being an accomplished actor, Ali was an engineer by profession.

Shah said Ali was the grandson of Baba Zaheen Shah Taji, adding that the late actor also had a passion for poetry.

Speaking to Geo News, the deceased artist's sister Ahla revealed that he had been admitted to a hospital three weeks ago. "He had fever last night and he passed away in his sleep," she said.

The late actor is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son who are currently in the United States.

Ali had planned to go back to the US but his health did not allow him, the sister said, adding that he had stopped working in the drama industry for last five to six years due to his health issues.