View Full-Size Image

 

Acting legend Muhammad Ali passes away President, PM, Punjab governor, CM, Shujaat, others condole death By Ali Raza LAHORE: Acting legend Muhammad Ali passed away here Sunday around 1:30 pm, leaving a legacy of an illustrious career in filmdom of Pakistan. Starting his career as a radio broadcaster in mid 50s, the 69 years old star died of cardiac arrest at his house in the provincial metropolis leaving his wife Zeba and a daughter Samina to mourn his death. His Namaz-e-Jenaza will be offered on Tuesday at the Liberty Park near his house. A large number of his fans, Lollywood stars and other personalities reached his house soon after the death of the star. Regarded as an institution among the film circles, Ali started his career as a Radio broadcaster from Radio Pakistan Hyderabad in mid 50s. He was introduced as a villain in a Karachi made film "Chiragh Jalta Raha" in 1962. This also happened to be the first film for its director Fazli, Zeba, Deeba and Kamal Irani. Later in 1964, Ali became as hero in "Shararat." Known as King of Emotions, Ali became a super star after release of his movie "Aag ka Darya" and then he remained on top during the next ten years. He will be remembered for his emotional acting and the best dialog delivery. "Khamosh Raho," "Insaan aur Admi," "Insaaf aur Qanoon," "Salakhen" and "Doorian" were some of his all time best films as actor. The winner of 7 Nigar Awards for Best Actor, one for Best Supporting Actor, and one special award for the film "Dooriyaan," Ali married the renowned actress Zeba in 1968. His only daughter Samina was Zeba's daughter from her previous marriage with the actor Lala Sudhir. He has also served as the Cultural Adviser to prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Apart from that he has been associated with the construction business for many years. He got first Nigar Award in 1964 for best supporting actor in the film "Khamosh Raho," which was directed by Jameel Akhtar. In 1965, director Hasan Tariq's film "Kaneez" for Best actor. 1n 1966, director Humayun Mirza's film "Aag ka darya" for Best Actor. In 1968, director Laeeq Akhtar's film "Saiqa" for Best Actor. In 1971, director Hasan Tariq's film "Wehshi" for best actor. In 1973, director Ali Sufyan Aafaqi's film "Aas" for best actor. In 1974, director Shabab Kiranvi's film "Aaena aur soorat" for Best Actor. In 1975, director Shabab Kiranvi's film "Insaan aur Aadmi' for Best Actor. In 1978, director Masood Pervez's film "Haidar Ali" for Best Actor. IN 1984, director Hasan Askari's film "Dooriyan" (special award). The major films of Ali are "Mera ghar meri jannat," "Ik gunah aur sahi," "Kaalu, Ibadat," "Watan" (remake of "Shaheed"), "Seeta," "Maryam," "Margaret," "Aurat ka pyar," "Afsana zindigi ka," "Dil ik aa'ena," "Daman aur chingari," "Aa'ena aur soorat," "Baymesaal," "Nasheman," "Waday ki zanjeer," "Jaisay jaantay nahi," "Lori," "Mohabbat rang laye ge," "Teri soorat meri" "Aankhain," "Ilzaam," "Gumrah," "Ik phool ik pathar," "Baywafa," "Manzil," "Teray bina kiya jeena," "Aasra," "Aarzoo," "Professor," "Dil kay daagh," "Sarhad ki godh mein," "Tum salamat raho," "Milan," "Aansoo bun gaye moti," "Samaj," "Ma'ashara," "Aurat ik paheli," "Gharana," "Banu Rani," "Nanha farishta," "Daagh, Mehel," "Duniya na manay," "Parchayein," "Dushman," "Intikhaab," "Meherbani," "Zanjeer," "Meray humsafar," "Safaid Khoon," "Border build," "Tum milay pyar mila," "Soorat aur Seerat," "Jeenay ki rah," "Josh," "Budnaam," "Gun man," "Sangram," "Gherao," "Aag ka samandar," "Andata," "Sajda," "Nadia kay paar," "Baarat," "Raja," "Kinara," "Ik doojay kay liye," "Phool meray gulshan ka," "Mohabbat zindigi hai," "Jab, jab phool khiley," "Apnay huay paraye," "Naqsh-e- Qadam," "Zameer," "Aaj ki Raat," "Achhay mian," "Jaan Pehchan," "Dil kay tukray," "Khandaan," "Paalki," "Sheir di bacchi," "Wadda Khan," and "Wo hati, Baazi." Loyalty, empathy, honesty and humility are his hallmarks, said Javed Sheikh while talking with the journalists at Ali's house. He said besides a great actor Ali was also well known for his social services. "Known in the film circle for his command as a passionate actor, he feels at ease in dramatic situations, as well," said Lollywood's star actress Reema. She said the industry will miss this versatile actor who had worked with almost all successful directors of the Pakistan film industry. MNA Mian Munir said actors like Muhammad Ali were national assets. He said Ali has left a very bright way to be followed by the young actors. Ghulam Mohaiuddin said the entire film industry was feeling sorrow over the sad demise of the legendry actor. He said Ali was a great actor as well as a great human being. "Ali was living in an era where social obligations were preferred over financial stakes and he made overtures through films to highlight social ills and national issues," said Ajub Gull. "He had a male resonate voice and with his individual dialogue delivery he performed quite a few number of memorable characters. Whichever film he performed in, his suggestions and advice would always be sought by the writing department. He had a command over his subjects and field," said Nisho. "He lit the torch of art films in the days of commercialism. Ali belonged to the superior rank of actors, as he did not bow before commercialization," said Arif Lohar. PML President Ch Shujaat Hussain and Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi expressed grief on the sad demise of Muhammad Ali. In their to condolence message to his widow they paid tributes to late Ali for his services. They also prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. Pakistan People's Party Punjab President Qasim Zia, PPP's Secretary Information Mohammad Naved Ch, drama writer and PPP leader Malik Ahsan Ganjiyal, member Censor Board Syed Agha Mujtaba, TV actor Tasawar Ali Mir, Sajjad Gull, Shahzad Gull, Fakhar Imam, Shery Malik, Sohail Butt, Raja Riaz, Tajdar Alam, Bari Malik, Sangeeta, Saood and other personalities expressed grief and sorrow with his family. Agencies add: President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have expressed profound sorrow over the death of Muhammad Ali. In their condolence messages to the bereaved family, the President and the PM said Pakistan had lost a great actor. Expressing sorrow over the death, Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool eulogised Ali's great services for social welfare and said Ali-Zeb Foundation and Blood Transfusion Centre at Faisalabad established by the legendry actor were serving the ailing humanity. Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain said the death of Muhammad Ali had left a vacuum in the film industry.