Syed Mahmood Ali (1928-2008), was a Pakistani radio, television and stage artist. Mahmood Ali was born in Hyderabad, India in 1928. He was best known for his role of Maulvi Sahib in PTV’s production of Taleem-i-Balighan.
Mahmood Ali began his career with the All India Radio in 1945. He migrated to Pakistan after partition and arrived in Lahore in 1947. He soon moved to Karachi and joined Radio Pakistan, where he was employed as a copyist. He became a part of Radio Pakistan during independence, where he was associated with numerous plays. His show Hamid Mian Ke Haan, was very popular. He was worked for Radio Pakistan, more than fifty years.
Ali started his acting career from Khawaja Moinuddin's Theater. He was performed in various stage plays, but it was his roles that left an indelible impression on viewers. Aside from Taleem-i-Balighan (which was latterly telecast from PTV), in which he acted with other veterans such as Qazi Wajid and the late Subhani ba Yunus, Mahmood Ali performed many memorable roles. Other notable plays of Ali include Mirza Ghalib Bunder Road Pe, Karwan-e-Kashmir and Lal Qilla Se Lalu Khait Tak.
In 1965, Ali was joined Pakistan television. His first television play was Rastay. Ali's noted television plays are Khuda Ki Basti, "Zair, Zabar, Paish", Laila Majnoon, Shahzori, Aanch, Ana, and Dast Ashana.
Though his film career did not enjoy similar popularity, he is remembered for playing the villain opposite Nadeem in Khushnaseeb of the 1980s. He was work in more than twenty five films.
Syed Mahmood Ali passed away on July 11, 2008 due to cardiac arrest. He was 80. He was buried at Wadi-e-Hussain graveyard in Karachi.
He was awarded the highest civil award of Pakistan, the Pride of Performance in 1985.