LAHORE: Veteran actor Qavi Khan, who was under treatment in Canada for a kidney-related disease, passed away at the age of 80 in the North American country on Sunday.
Meanwhile, family sources said that Qavi Khan’s funeral and burial will take place today (Monday) in Canada. They said that the funeral prayers will be offered after the Zuhr prayer at a mosque in Mississauga, after which the late actor will be buried in Meadowvale Cemetry in Brampton.
Qavi Khan started his career as a child star from Radio Pakistan, Peshawar — his birth city. In 1964, he started working at Pakistan Television, becoming one of its early stars.
He started his professional career with a play, Lakhon Mein Aik, whereas Andhera Ujala had earned him immense fame across Pakistan. His other TV plays include Fishaar, Lahori Gate, Muthi Bhar Matti, Baityaan, Cinderella, and Durr-i-Shahwar.
In 1965, Qavi Khan joined the film industry. Some of his films include Mauhabbat Zindagi Hai, Chand Suraj, Sarfarosh, Kalay Chor, and Zameen Asman.
The government awarded Pride of Performance in 1980 and Sitara-i-Imtiaz to Qavi Khan in acknowledgment of his services to the country and the showbiz industry.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of the incredible actor. He termed the demise of Khan as an irreparable loss to the arts sector in the country.
The premier also prayed that may Allah bless the departed soul and grant patience to the bereaved family.
“Sitara-e-Imtiaz and President’s Award for Pride of Performance are recognition of his talent by the state,” he added.
PM Shehbaz also said that the legendary actor proved his talent with his performance in films, TV, stage and radio.
In a statement, Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed grief over the demise of the veteran actor.
The death of Qavi Khan has created a void that cannot be filled, senior theatre producer Qaiser Javed said while commenting on the death of the veteran actor.
Arts councils have announced holding condolence references in memory of Qavi Khan.
As a nod to the late actor’s prowess and talent, Shah referred to him as a “great actor who had left an indelible mark on the showbiz industry”.
Talking about his achievements, the arts council president said that Khan was honoured with Sitara-e-Imtiaz, PTV Lifetime Achievement award and Lifetime Achievement Award from Radio Pakistan.
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