One of the finest actors that Pakistan television produced and who ruled the roost in the 1980s and `90s, Mazhar Ali passed away on October 8. He was known for playing serious, complicated characters and became a household name afterdoing memorable roles in T V serials such as Aroosa, Afshaan and Kaanch Ki Gurriya. He came from a literary family.

His maternal grandfather, Baba Zaheen Shah Taji, was a renowned poet. Mr Ali was also fond of poetry and his friends say he himself composed verses. May he rest in peace!