Rangeela buried amid outpouring of grief

Thousands of fans of actor Saeed Khan, popularly known as Rangeela, who died at Sharif Medical Complex on Tuesday, laid flowers at his grave yesterday.

Rangeela's funeral took place late on Tuesday night and was attended by thousands of fans and well-wishers.

Some said "he improved our lives by making us laugh".

Rangeela was the country's best known comic actor for decades. Rangeela's daughter, Farah Deeba, said that Rangeela, 68, suffered heart and liver problems and was on dialysis after suffering from renal failure about six months ago.

Rangeela was taken to Shaikh Zayed Hospital a couple of months ago before being moved to Sharif Medical Complex.

Rangeela, whose innovative style of comedy, combined with pathos, inspired a generation of film stars, was widely loved.

On Wednesday, Lollywood directors, producers and stars paid their respects. "He was unique. Rangeela will always be remembered as Rangeela, and for the acting style he innovated," said director Syed Noor.

"He was a very lovable man. And what he did, making people laugh, is not easy," said Khalid Abbas Dar, another comedian.

Lately, Rangeela had also become known for his support of the PML-Nawaz. After the Punjab government failed to offer financial aid, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had borne all the costs of his care, and Rangeela's daughter, Farah Deeba, joined the PML-N last year.