Veteran Pakistani actor and comedian Javed Kodu died on Sunday after a prolonged illness, his family said.

Kodu, known for his roles in television, film and stage, had been receiving treatment at Lahore’s General Hospital. He was widely recognised for his performances in popular dramas including Ainak Wala Jinn and Ashiana.

The actor, whose short stature became a signature part of his performances, revealed in an interview last year that he was suffering from multiple health issues, including paralysis caused by a brain haemorrhage, heart disease, and complications following stomach surgery.

During the same interview, Kodu spoke about his financial struggles, saying inflation had made life difficult, not only for him but for many of his friends in the entertainment industry.

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed grief over the actor’s death, saying it had created a void in the media world that would be difficult to fill.

He extended his condolences to the late artist’s family.