Renowned Pakistani actor Yusuf Kamal, popularly known by his screen name Shakeel, died in Karachi on Thursday at the age of 85, family sources confirmed to JEE News.
The veteran actor, immortalized for his mastery in PTV’s dramas like Uncle Arfi and Parchaiyaan, succumbed to a prolonged illness in the city, where he was undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
Shakeel also underwent heart bypass surgery a few years ago.
According to family sources, Shakeel’s son is already in Karachi, while his daughter has left for Saudi Arabia.
The veteran actor underwent a bypass surgery a few years ago and was suffering from arthritis – a joint disease for the past several years. Shakeel had difficulty walking and was often assisted by an employee.
The spokesperson of Sindh Chief Minister said that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has expressed deep sorrow over the death of senior actor Shakeel.
The Chief Minister said that actor Shakeel was a big name in the world of art, his services will always be remembered.
He further prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased.
Apart from this, Interim Chief Minister of Punjab Mohsin Raza Naqvi has also expressed grief and sorrow over the death of the actor.
Paying tribute to the actor, Naqvi expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family.
Shazuri and the light-eyed actor of untold fame ruled television and people’s hearts for a long time.
His smooth, natural performance was instrumental in making these plays super hits.
Other drama serials immortalized by Shakeel’s brilliant acting include Intizar Farmaye, Zeer Zabar Pesh, Afshaan, Anna, Arosa and Angan Tera.
Celebrities mourn loss
A-list actor Faisal Qureshi took to Twitter to share his grief over the news of Shakeel’s demise.
He tweeted, “With a heavy heart, I share the news that our dearest Yusuf Kamal Shakeel, the pride of our nation.. the man who entertained us for so long, has left us today. are.”
With a heavy heart i share the news that our dearest Yousuf Kamal SHAKEEL
— Faysal Quraishi (@faysalquraishi) June 29, 2023
The pride of our nation .. the man who entertained us for the longest time
left us today .
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رَٰجِعُونَ pic.twitter.com/qzCuzBpJDQ
Moreover, veteran actress Bushra Ansari also expressed grief over the demise of the great star. Ansari wrote on Instagram: “You were a true hero..my dearest friend..Shakeel just passed away..someone put a heart [feels like someone has crushed my heart] ..Ari Mahmood Ahmed.
Aizaz Aslam expressed his condolences on Facebook, writing: “Deeply saddened by the passing away of a true icon, veteran actor Sir Yusuf Shakeel. Rest in peace, dear Yusuf Shakeel sir.”
Veteran journalist Hamid Mir also condoled the loss of the veteran on Twitter.
“Anna Lilla Wa Anna Ilya Rajioon. Famous actor Shakeel is no more in this world, he was overcome with grief on Eid-ul-Adha. May Allah forgive him, Ameen.”
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ معروف اداکار شکیل اس دنیا میں نہیں رہے عیدالاضحیٰ کے دن اداس کر گئے اللّٰہ تعالیٰ انکی مغفرت فرمائے آمین pic.twitter.com/w17yx0xi8D
— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) June 29, 2023
