Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 12: Renowned Kashmiri comedian and radio jockey, Shadi Lal Kaul passed away this morning after a brief illness at the age of 65.
Known for his comic timing, Kaul was a famous and versatile actor of Jammu and Kashmir. He enjoyed a long career that encompassed theatre, television, and radio and has become the household name of Jammu and Kashmir with his memorable performances. He was also a famous theatre personality and his performances drew audiences of all age groups.
Kaul’s son Vijay S. Kaul while confirming the news wrote on social media that his father died “after fighting to survive” for a week. “After the most difficult week fighting to survive my loving dad, Mr. Shadi Lal Kaul passed away. He breathed his last today morning at 2:45 am. Family friends stayed by his side caring for him. We held his hands and walked with him to the end,” wrote Vijay.
Tributes poured in following the announcement of his death with fans offering condolences and praying for the departed soul. The news of his death, however, came as a shock to the artiste fraternity.
Ayash Arif, who acted with him in “Cheri Truch” and other serials, was among the first to offer his condolences on social media. “My beloved legendary actor left for heavenly abode today. May he rest in peace,” he wrote.
Bashir Badgami, former chief Producer at Doordarshan was left out of words, “no words to express my grief,” he wrote.
Noted writer and Convenor at Northern Regional Board, Sahitya Akademi New Delhi Dr. Aziz Hajni said that his loss would create a huge vacuum “His death has created a void in the field of performing art, especially in Kashmiri language. It is next to impossible to fill the gap for a long time. He termed the actor as a sincere and lovable human being, who believed in human values and spiritual traditions,” he said.
Ajaz Rah, who claimed to have sung nearly 160 songs for the actor praised him for his comic skills, “U left us too soon. You will always be remembered as the king of comedy. We were a legendary actor and a great human being. You were an institution in itself. You were a guide and friend to me. It is my personal loss. I bid a tearful adieu to you,’ Ajaz Rah wrote on social media.
His roles in the serials like Ghulam Begam Badshah, Cher Truch and Local Taxes Extra touched the hearts of his fans as it brought the glimpses of an ordinary man caught in the chores of daily family life.
Born in a middle-class family at Chotta Bazar, Srinagar, Shadi Lal Kaul was a self-taught man. Together with his friend Ayaash Aarif (actor and director), he founded Kali Dass Theatre in Srinagar. He also joined Abdul Rahim Kuchhay and founded Yasmeen Dramatic Club or his Nukkad Theatre in Kashmir.
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