Veteran actor Shafqat Cheema not in a coma, confirms son

The son of renowned Punjabi film villain Shafqat Cheema has denied circulating news about his father going into a coma.

Pakistani actor Sheheryar Cheema has clarified that veteran actor Shafqat Cheema is not in a coma.

The confusion arose after claims that the well-known villain from Punjabi cinema had suffered a stroke and fallen unconscious.

Sheheryar confirmed that his father only experienced pneumonia. “Alhamdulillah, he is feeling well and is home now,” he stated in an interview with local magazine.

A video featuring Sheheryar denounced the “fake news” surrounding his father's condition. Shafqat was briefly hospitalised at Lahore’s Shalimar Hospital but has since been discharged.

Earlier incorrect reports had suggested that the actor was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to a brain blood clot, leading to concerns among fans who flooded social media with mixed emotions.

Some fans expressed their relief upon learning the truth, while others urged the media to adhere to responsible reporting standards, particularly concerning senior actors.

Shafqat Cheema, acclaimed for his portrayal of iconic villains, gained fame for his role in the 2011 hit film Bol. He also appeared in the popular drama series Khuda Aur Muhabbat and recently played Jeeva Natt in The Legend of Maula Jatt.