Mohammad Shah Maftoon, a beloved local stage actor in Kandahar known for his sharp social commentary through comedic performances, has died following a prolonged illness, sources told Amu on Wednesday.
Maftoon, who performed for years in theatrical productions that critiqued social injustices and everyday struggles, reportedly suffered from kidney and bladder ailments for more than two years. His family, according to sources, struggled to afford proper medical treatment, although some local businessmen contributed to his care.
Despite deteriorating health, Maftoon remained in Kandahar and continued performing in limited stage programs, even after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, which led many Afghan artists to suspend their work or leave the country altogether.
Family members said his condition worsened over the past six months, and they were ultimately unable to cover medical expenses. One source confirmed that no government or cultural body stepped forward to assist during his illness.
Tributes poured in on social media following news of his death, with many of Maftoon’s colleagues and admirers calling his passing a significant loss for Afghanistan’s cultural and artistic community.
Kandahar has seen a sharp decline in artistic activity in the past three years under the Taliban, with cultural spaces closing and creative expression increasingly restricted. Maftoon was among the few who chose to stay and keep performing, despite mounting limitations.
