Legendary Pakistani comedian Safirullah Siddiqui, also known as Lehri, died here on 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 the 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 debuted with Anokhi in 1956, and his last production was 1986 release Dhanak. 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 Rs 2,500 during her first tenure, which he continued to receive. There has been no increase in the amount since then.
He was a class act. One of very few who did not make people laugh with chichorey comments and/or oooth patangh body movements. His dialog and delivery was enough to make people laugh. :k:
A true comedian. I remember one of his interviews in which he said that most of his dialogue in the movies was pure improvisation. Real comedy is quickly becoming a lost art in Pakistan. May he rest in peace.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Raaji'oon
just read the news. Im actually quite fond of his work, his remarkable acting and his impeccable dialogue delivery, no one could come close to what he was. Indeed a great loss. his void will never be filled. I was watching his play Anghan Tehra yesterday where he played a small part, cant believe he's gone.......
