Pakistani director S. Suleiman passes away aged 80

LAHORE (Web Desk) - Pakistani film industry’s renowned director S. Suleiman has passed away at the age of 80.

The leading director had been suffering from a kidney disease since long and passed away this morning. His wife and famous actress Zari Begum confirmed the death.

She said that Suleiman had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital for the past one year but his condition suddenly worsened two days ago. His funeral prayers will be offered at a private society in Lahore on Friday, April 16.

Expressing deep sorrow over the demise of S. Suleiman, Punjab Culture Minister Khayal Ahmed said that he was the soul of the golden age of Pakistan film industry.

S. Suleiman was the younger brother of Santosh Kumar (Syed Musa Abbas Raza) and Darpan (Syed Ishrat Abbas), two of the most famous heroes of the industry in their time. He directed 48 films between 1961 and 1998, two of which were released in Punjabi.

S. Suleiman directed his first film at the age of just 21 and also directed several TV serials. Most of his films starred Muhammad Ali and Nadeem Baig and released in the late 70’s. S. His most successful films include Gulfam, Baji, Zeenat, Ilzam and Tasweer.

He was awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan while he was also awarded 10 Nigar Awards.