LAHORE: Noted film director Altaf Hussain passed away in Lahore on Monday. He was 80.

He had been unwell for quite sometime, having breathing and cardiac issues, according to his family sources. He was laid to rest in Farid Shah graveyard in Sabzazaar.

The late director has 85 or so films to his credit, including many hits. He had recently started directing a Punjabi movie, Teray Pyar Nu Salam.

Among his super hit films include Sala Sahib, Rani Betii Raj Kerry Gi, and Mehndi.

Born at Khanpur in 1944, Hussain began his career in film direction back in 1969 with a film Panchhi Te Perdesi. In 1981, he directed Athra Putar, featuring Sultan Rahi and Asia in lead roles, which proved a huge success at the box office.

Hussain directed three super hit films in 1983 – Sahib Jee, Quadrat and Lawaris – featuring Anjuman as heroine. Same year, his film Rustam Te Khan also became a hit at the box office with Sultan Rahi and Yousuf Khan in lead roles. His 10 films were released in 1985, of which Dhee Rani did a great business at the box office.

The film fraternity has expressed deep sorrow and grief over Altaf Hussain’s demise.—Shoaib Ahmed