Lahore – Renowned stage and television actor Anwar Ali passed away in Lahore on Monday at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness, his family confirmed.
The veteran comedian had been suffering from paralysis, lung and kidney complications, and a heart condition. He was admitted to a local hospital on Sunday and placed in the ICU, but despite medical care, he could not survive.
News of his death sparked an outpouring of grief, with fans, colleagues, and fellow artists remembering him as a cultural icon who embodied the power of laughter.
Starting his career in the 1970s, Ali became a leading name in Punjabi stage theatre, performing alongside legends like Mastana, Babu Baral, and Iftikhar Thakur. His television roles in Sona Chandi, Janjal Pura, Nishani (1979) and Khuda Bakhsh (1989) made him a household name across Pakistan.
Over the years, he appeared in more than 500 stage plays and over 100 TV productions, earning widespread respect and recognition, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from PTV.
Tributes continue to pour in as Pakistan mourns the loss of an entertainer who left an indelible mark on theatre, television, and cinema.
