Jameel Fakhri passes away

LAHORE Legendary TV, film and stage actor Jameel Fakhri passed away at Mayo Hospital on Thursday after he was paralysed and had other serious health issues. He was 67. Fakhri, who was admitted to the hospital on May 31, is survived by three sons, an adopted daughter and widow. The actor was in coma and was on ventilator at the Intensive Care Unit of the Mayo Hospital. Punjab Health Secretary Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan instructed Mayo Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Zahid Pervez to constitute a medical board for the treatment of the renowned artist. But he couldnt survive despite best efforts of the doctors. According to his family, the actor was in deep distress and unable to control himself after his son, Ali Ayaz Fakhri, was kidnapped and later killed in the US. On December 7 last, information about Alis gruesome murder surfaced. He was said to have been cut up into pieces before being set on fire. Fakhri had said that his son had no enemy and the kidnapping was a mystery. Fakhri is widely known for his role as Jaffar Hussain in PTVs famous drama, 'Andera Ujala. Aside from appearing on television, Fakhri also worked in theatre. He started his artistic journey in early 70s with stage and later associated with PTV. He was extremely jovial, optimist and punctual. He worked with senior producers of the PTV like Yawar Hayat, Rashid Dar, Ayub Khawar etc. He showed his fantastic performance in many famous dramas like 'Aik Haqiqat Aik Fsana, 'Alf Noon, 'Zakhira Andozi, 'Alf Lella, 'Aaj Ka Khel, 'Ureek, 'Jheel and 'Sehra Teri Pyas. In 'Andehra Ujala, written by Dr Yunus Javed, his acting as a police inspector gave him immense popularity. The play also introduced the eminent artist worldwide. He was also awarded with Pride of Performance for his services. PTV General Manager Farrukh, while expressing his feelings on the sad demise of the artist, said Fakhri Sahib had a deep association with the PTV and he remained associated with the channel till his death. He said that PTV had been deprived of not only a great star but also a loyal artist. Co-stars of Jameel Fakhri including Irfan Khosat, Mohammad Qavi Khan, Firdos Jamal, Shujaat Hashmi, Asim Bokhari, Masood Akhtar and others also expressed sorrow on his death, saying they had lost a best companion and good human being. They said that people like Jamil Fakhri appear on the stage of life after centuries, adding that vacuum created by his death could not be filled. Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the death of prominent artist. In his condolence message the chief minister prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and strength to the members of the bereaved family. The funeral prayer of Jameel Fakhri will be offered near his residence situated at Qila Lachman Singh at 8am and he will be buried at Miani Sahib Graveyard.