Karachi witnessed a solemn gathering as the funeral prayers of esteemed actor Yousuf Kamal, famously known as Shakeel Ahmed, were offered. The prayers took place at the Sultan Mosque in Defence. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and other notable personalities were present to pay their respects.
Actor Behroze Sabzwari, Faisal Qureshi, and several others from the entertainment industry attended the funeral to offer prayers and express their condolences for the departed soul.
Governor Tessori, expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shakeel Ahmed, emphasizing the immense value that such iconic names hold for Pakistan.
“It is truly unfortunate that we recognize their service only when we lose a prominent figure like Shakeel Ahmed. His contribution to the drama industry is unparalleled, and his role in the industy was beyond reproach,” he said.
Following the funeral prayers, Shakeel Ahmed was laid to rest in the graveyard of Defence Phase 8. The somber atmosphere reflected the profound loss felt by the film and television fraternity, as well as his countless fans.
Shakeel Ahmed, known for his remarkable performances, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his talent and versatility. His demise has left a void that will be hard to fill.
The news of Shakeel Ahmed’s passing has deeply saddened the industry and his fans alike. His contributions to the world of acting will be remembered and cherished for years to come.
The veteran actor died of cardiac arrest on Thursday after a brief illness, sources in the family told Aaj News.
He was under treatment in a private hospital in Karachi for the previous four days. He is survived by a son, a daughter, and a widow.
Actor Shakeel’s daughter would reach Karachi by a 6am flight on tomorrow (Friday), they said. The funeral prayers would be offered on Friday after Asr prayer.
His original name was Yousuf Kamal, but he was better known as Shakeel Ahmed. He started his career with Radio Pakistan He rose to prominence for his roles in PTV dramas. He was born on May 29, 1938, in the Indian city of Bhopal and migrated to Pakistan in 1952.
His roles in Uncle Urfi (1972), Mehboob Ahmed in Aangan Terha (1984) and Taimoor Ahmad in Ankahi (1982) are still revered by drama lovers.
Shakeel was in the showbiz industry for more than 50 decades. He was declared “heartthrob” by print media after his performance in Uncle Urfi and Parchaiyan.
“I pray to God that I can devote more time to humanity in whatever way I can before I die. I hope I have the strength to do it always,” he said in an interview with Dawn that was published on June 24, 2012.
