Legendary comedian and writer Athar Shah Khan Jedi passed away after a prolonged illness in Karachi on Sunday. He was 77.

His funeral prayers will be held in Karachi today at 4pm in Gulshan-e-Iqbal’s Masjid Aqsa. Jedi will be laid to rest in Sakhi Hassan graveyard.

Jedi was under treatment at a local hospital after suffering a stroke. He leaves behind a widow and four sons.

Athar Khan aka Jedi was born in Rampur, India and migrated to Pakistan with his family in Lahore first and later n Karachi in 1954. He got early education from Lahore, secondary classes from Peshawar and did his graduation from Urdu Science College, Karachi while got his masters degree in Journalism from Punjab University.

He performed in numerous plays and drama serials during his career that spanned over three decades. He entertained television audience for several years both as artist, poet and writer. In late 80s, he played the famous character of Jedi in a play which was aired on television increasing his popularity among both the elders and youngsters.

Jedi started his career as a writer from Radio Pakistan and wrote at least 700 plays during his career. One of his hit serials was “Jedi ke sang“. His other popular drama serials during 1970s and 1990s include Intezar Farmaiay, Lakhon Mein Teen, Ba Adab Ba Mulahiza Hoshiyar and Haye Jedi.

He was awarded Pride of Performance by Government of Pakistan for his services in 2001 on the eve of the Pakistan Television (PTV) Silver Jubilee.