Nusrat Ara

Nusrat Ara (1964 – 14 October 2017) was a Pakistani television actress best known for her role as Bil Batori in the popular 1990s children's television series Ainak Wala Jin. She was one of the most memorable faces on PTV during its golden era.^[1][2]

Ara began her acting career in theater in Karachi before moving to Lahore where she joined Pakistan Television (PTV). She rose to national fame for her performance in the fantasy series Ainak Wala Jin, which aired in the mid-1990s and became a cult classic among children.^[3]

Her portrayal of Bil Batori, an eccentric and magical witch character, became a household name. The character's unique accent, costume, and comic timing made her one of the most loved figures on children's television in Pakistan.^[1]

In her later years, Ara faced severe financial difficulties. Reports suggested that she struggled with poverty and lacked institutional support despite her iconic status in Pakistan’s television history. She also suffered from health issues including respiratory problems and paralysis.^[4][5]

She was admitted to Jinnah Hospital in Lahore in a critical condition and passed away due to cardiac arrest on 14 October 2017 at the age of 53. She was laid to rest in the Miani Sahib Graveyard.^[6]

Nusrat Ara's performance as Bil Batori remains one of the most iconic roles in Pakistani children's television.^[7] Her contributions to television have been remembered fondly by fans and the media even years after her death.^[8]