Comedian Umer Sharif passes away at 66 in Germany

Legendary comedian Umer Sharif passed away in Germany on Saturday after battling serious health problems. He was 66.

Sharif’s death was confirmed to Dawn.com by Arts Council of Pakistan’s president Ahmed Shah, who said he had spoken to Sharif’s family members.

Later, Pakistan’s ambassador to Germany, Dr Mohammad Faisal, also confirmed the news of Sharif’s demise.

“With deep sorrow it is announced that Mr Umer Sharif has passed away in Germany,” he tweeted. “Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Our CG is present at the hospital to assist the family in every way.”

Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was saddened to learn of Sharif’s passing. Taking to his Twitter account, he said that he had “the good fortune” of touring with the comedian to raise funds for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital.

“He was one of our [greatest] entertainers and will be missed,” he said.

Sharif had boarded an air ambulance for treatment at a hospital in the US on Sept 28. However, his condition deteriorated on the way and was admitted to a hospital during a stopover in Germany.

The veteran actor’s medical condition became a subject of national concern after he made a video appeal to PM Imran to help him secure a visa to travel abroad for medical treatment.

The federal government had assured him that it would help and the Sindh government also stepped in, sanctioning Rs40 million for his treatment.

Sharif had suffered a heart attack in August and according to his close friend, Pervaiz Kaifi, he had gone through two heart bypasses.

He was born on April 19, 1955. He started his career as a stage performer using the name Umer Zarif but later renamed that to Umer Sharif. Two of his popular comedy stage plays were Bakra Qistoon Pe and Buddha Ghar Pe Ha.

Sharif received national awards for best director and best actor in 1992 for Mr. 420. He received ten Nigar Awards and remains the only actor to receive four Nigar Awards in a single year.

He was also a recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his contributions as comedian, actor and producer in the entertainment industry.