ISLAMABAD: On Sunday, the media and entertainment community came together to commemorate the second death anniversary of Yousuf Kamal, famously known as Shakeel.
Tributes poured in for the actor, acknowledging his significant contributions to Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
Born on May 29, 1945, in Bhopal, India, Shakeel migrated to Pakistan with his family in 1952. He began his acting career soon after, quickly becoming a beloved figure in the media. Shakeel was the first “chocolate hero” of Pakistan Television (PTV) in the 1970s, a title that cemented his place as one of the most prominent faces of the industry.
He later expanded his influence in both PTV dramas and Lollywood, playing both heroic and villainous roles.
His acting career reached its zenith with PTV serials such as Uncle Urfi (1972), Ankahi (1982), and Aangan Terha (1984). The latter, written by the legendary Anwar Maqsood, remains one of his most iconic performances. Shakeel made his film debut in the 1966 movie Honehar, alongside Waheed Murad. He also starred as Liaqat Ali Khan in the British biographical film Jinnah (1998), which featured Christopher Lee. Additionally, Shakeel appeared in the BBC Channel 4 series Traffic.
Beyond his successful career in front of the camera, Shakeel was known for his philanthropic efforts, contributing to various causes. In 2015, his exceptional contributions to the arts earned him the prestigious Sitara-i-Imtiaz award.
Shakeel passed away on June 29, 2023, in Karachi, leaving behind a rich legacy in Pakistan’s entertainment landscape
