Farooq-Shaikh-Obituary

Farooq Shaikh

1948 - 2013

Obituary

NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian actor Farooq Shaikh, the plump, unlikely hero of scores of Bollywood films, has died. He was 65.

Press Trust of India reported that Shaikh suffered a heart attack Friday in Dubai, where he was visiting with his family.

Shaikh's film career began on a high note with the 1973 new wave film "Garm Hawa," about the 1947 partition of the subcontinent at the end of British rule. His performance earned him a key role in director Satyajit Ray's "The Chess Players," about the decadence of India's feudal classes.

Shaikh's cherubic looks struck a chord with ordinary people who tended to identify with his man on the street image.

Bollywood reacted sadly to the news of Shaikh's death, with several celebrities tweeting their condolences.

Noted Indian actress Shabana Azmi, who described herself as a close friend, said she was still trying to come to terms with Shaikh's death.

"Forty years ago, he and I started a theater group. It was a very long association, so it's difficult to speak about his death," Azmi tweeted.

Azmi and Shaikh appeared together in more than 300 performances of the play "Tumhari Amrita."

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan tweeted: "A true gentleman, a wonderful colleague! A quiet honesty about him. Very, very sad."

Shaikh was active in Mumbai's theater scene, and acted in a Hindi version of the satirical British comedy "Yes Minister" on Indian television. He also produced a popular TV show on which he interviewed Hindi film stars.

Shaikh is survived by his wife and two daughters.


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Not sure what to say?

i.miss u farooq ji

He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.

My deepest sympathy may God words bring you comfort during this time.He will actually swallow up death forever, and certainly wipe the tears from all faces
Is. 25:8

such a natural and class actor...........he will be missed forever for his portray of common Indian man......he never tried too much just simplicity full of charisma and dedication towards the character.........you will always be remembered as a true gentleman and perfect natural actor of Hindi cinema......

may the God of comfort be with you and yours revelations chapter 21 vs 3&4

I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in Ecc.9:5

We are deeply saddened by your loss. We sincerely appreciate all that Farooq did to entertain us and bring job into our lives. May the words of Jesus at John 4:13-14 prove to be comforting. He mentions "a fountain of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life." Until that time, Farooq Shaikh will be dearly missed!

I would like to extend my condolences to the family. Death is never something we get use to, but know that during this time you are not alone. Our creator promises better days ahead. He will give you the strength needed to get through this difficult time. [Philippians 4:6,7]