Legendary Pakistani actor Lehri dead at 83

Karachi: Legendary Pakistani comedian Safirullah Siddiqui, also known as Lehri, died here Thursday after a prolonged illness.

According to family sources, the veteran actor, 83, died from his illness Thursday morning.

His son-in-law Asad Mehboob said that the actor was on ventilator for the past many days after his health deteriorated, reports Geo News.

Lehri was one of the country’s greatest comedians who made his name in Urdu films in his three decades long acting career.

He made his film debut with “Anokhi” in 1956, and his last production was “Dhanak” in 1986.

The vast majority of his films were in Urdu, though he did perform in a few Punjabi productions as well.

Lehri won the Nigar Award for around a dozen films.

The late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto provided him with a monthly stipend of Rs2,500 (Dh96) during her first tenure, which he continued to receive. There has been no increase in the amount since then.

Political leaders as well as people from all walks of life expressed grief over the actor’s demise.

His funeral would take place after Asr prayers. He will be buried in Yaseenabad graveyard.