KARACHI: Kamal Ahmed Rizvi, commonly known as Allan, the most loveable conman of the national television in 1970s and 1980s passed away here Thursday, after protracted illness.
Born in 1930 at Gaya, known for its association with Lord Budha, in Bihar province of British India, he had migrated to Pakistan in 1947 and was one of the pioneers of theater in the nascent state.
Karachi, the first capital of the country was his new home where he had his hands in all forms of arts and culture, ranging from editing of magazines, script writing to broadcasting, stage and theater play and television.
It was Faiz Ahmed Faiz who realizing his potential and capacities emerged to be his mentor and this relationship between the two intelligent individuals compelled Rizvi to move to Lahore, the cultural centre of the country.
Rizvi was invited by Aslam Azhar to join television after the latter watched one of his stage plays. Among his earliest presentations on the television was a series of interviews with common people such as a popular pan wallah of Lahore, some coffeehouse waiter, and so on.
It was during this phase that he met Rafi Khawar that finally led to the ever popular Alif Noon i.e Allan Nannah, one of the most popular comedy serials of PTV.
Kamal Ahmed Rizvi who also wrote and acted in other drama serials in the latter phase of life appeared to be quite dejected with the emerging cultural scenario and preferred to lead a secluded life.
He has left behind a widow and a large number of admirers of his work.
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