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#Showbiz: Film director and lecturer Azhari Zain dies at 50

KUALA LUMPUR: Film director, film lecturer and occasional actor Prof Dr Azhari Mohd Zain died at his house in Sunway Alam Suria, Shah Alam at 12.05am today. He was 50.

A senior film lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Azhari had suffered a stroke nine months ago.

Azhari's death was confirmed by his wife Wahizatul Nureen Azmi.

"He passed away peacefully at home with his family around him," said Nureen to Berita Harian online.

Azhari, who was born in Johor, suffered a stroke in February and spent three months in hospital, before his family members decided to get alternative treatment for his condition.

Nureen said that Azhari's condition showed improvement in July, but his health took a turn for the worse in recent weeks.

Azhari, a father of three, began his film career in 2004 as a screenwriter. He was involved in the films Tangkai Jering, Potret Mistik, Anak Mami Kembali, Nana Tanjung and Duyung among others.

As a director, Azhari was involved in Santau, Zoo, Hantu Dalam Botol Kicap, Mantra, Jin Notti and Siku 12: Langkah Derhaka, his final film.

As an actor, his best known films were Chowrasta, Potret Mistik, Magika and Cicakman 2: Planet Hitam.

In many of his films, he collaborated with his fellow UiTM film lecturer Prof Datuk Dr A Razak Mohaideen.

Azhari's remains were brought to Masjid Ar-Raudhah, Section U10, Shah Alam at 8am and he was laid to rest at the Meru Islamic Cemetery in Jalan Paip, Meru, Klang at 10am.

Persatuan Seniman Malaysia (Seniman) secretary-general Hafiz Nafiah described Azhari's death as a major loss to Malaysian film.

"Azhari was affectionately known as Zack to his friends. A man of many talents, he was committed to his craft and served as a mentor to aspiring actors and directors," said Hafiz.

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