Famous Pakistani veteran actor, comedian, poet and writer Athar Shah Khan passed away in Karachi on Sunday at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness.
He had been unwell for a while now and his death occurred after suffering from a severe stroke, reported Express News. A household name in the 1980s, he was most famously known for playing comedic roles, poetry and writing.
Athar Shah Khan had the most memorable role as ‘Jaidi’ in ‘Hey Jaidi’ and his play ‘Intizar Farmaiyay’ on PTV. He also starred in Lakhon mein teen, Ba adab ba mulahiza hoshiyar among others. “I created the character ‘Jaidi’ more than three decades ago and people still call me Jaidi. I enjoy it,” Shah said in a recent interview.
He won the Pride of Performance award in 2001. It is the highest award given to artists by the Pakistan government. He wrote more than 700 plays for television, stage and radio. The late actor moved from Lahore to Karachi in 1957 and had a Master’s degree in Journalism from the Punjab University.
Many celebrities and well-known personalities of the country took to twitter to pay tribute
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
Writer, poet and comedian Athar Shah Khan has passed away today in Karachi. As per details, Writer, poet and comedian Athar Shah Khan has passed away today in Karachi. He died due to stroke. pic.twitter.com/C8mipy10A5— samina ahmed (@aadabtv) May 10, 2020
Another childhood memory left. Renowned poet, actor, comedian Athar Shah Khan (Mr. Jedi) passed away … pic.twitter.com/d6kECO3JUK
— Syed Ammar Yasir Zaidi (@sayzaidi) May 10, 2020
Athar Shah Khan Sahib for me you will always be sweet hubly bubbly Uncle Jaidi that is how I want to remember you !No words for the laughter and joy you gave to us, may you get much much more in Jannah ! Honoured to watch your performances Thank You !!🌹🌹🌹❤❤❤
— Bina Sarwar (@BinaSarwar1) May 10, 2020
Shocking, he shares a significant portion of my childhood when we had PTV as our only avenue of entertainment. For the longest time I didn’t know that Jaidi and Athar Shah Khan are two names of one person, his transformation from one avatar to other was incredible.
— Adnan🇨🇦 (@SaysAdnan) May 10, 2020
إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Athar Shah Khan (1943-2020)Author, poet, comedian #Jedi is no more. A much talented maestro of the over-done; anything but the simpleton he often portrayed. It takes an immense self-confidence to be who he was.
ThankU & RIP, #Jaidi. pic.twitter.com/Pz68GPXm4i
— Adil Najam (@AdilNajam) May 10, 2020
May Allah rest the soul of dear Athar Shah Khan in eternal peace & patience to bereaved. The sad news served as throwback to early 50’s, in same school in Peshawar, same class. Thereafter we treaded different paths, seldom crossing again. Sincere prayers, deepest condolences https://t.co/eEDKScQUOg
— Farhatullah Babar (@FarhatullahB) May 10, 2020
The beautiful humor of Athar Shah Khan Jaidi, a brilliant Pakistani artist who filled our childhood years with laughter.
May his soul rest in peace, Amen!(1/2)#RIPJaidi#AtharShahKhanJaidi pic.twitter.com/pMyaud7amk
— Bushra Nasir Ahmed (@ainee_2010) May 10, 2020
He is survived by his wife and four sons. His funeral prayers was held in Karachi today at 4pm in Gulshan-e-Iqbal’s Masjid Aqsa. He was laid rest in Sakhi Hassan graveyard.
