In this blog, we will delve into the fascinating world of Pakistani comedy and pay homage to the top three comedians who have left an indelible mark on the industry. These comedic geniuses not only brought laughter to countless lives but also played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of comedy in Pakistan. However, amid the discussions of their achievements, we must also remember and honor one particular comedian who sadly left us too soon. His untimely departure serves as a reminder of the profound impact these individuals have had, and continue to have, on the comedy scene in Pakistan. Let's celebrate their legacies and cherish the memories they created through their humor.
1. Omer Shareef:
Omer Shareef, also known as the King of Comedy in South Asia, was born on April 19, 1955, in Karachi. He began his career as a stage performer, initially using the name Umer Zarif, but later changed it to Umer Sharif. Two of his famous comedy stage plays were "Bakra Qistoon Pe" and "Buddha Ghar Pe Hai".In 1992, Sharif was honored with national awards for Best Director and Best Actor for his film Mr. 420. He received a total of ten Nigar Awards, making him the only actor to receive four Nigar Awards in a single year.
Additionally, he was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his significant contributions as a comedian, actor, and producer in the entertainment industry.Remarkably, Sharif was the recipient of over 50 national and international awards. He achieved a historic milestone in Pakistan's film industry when he became the first actor to receive the key to a city. This esteemed recognition was presented to the legendary Omer Shareef.Sadly, Omer Shareef battled cardiac ailments and, on October 2, 2021, he passed away at the age of 66 in Germany. His comedic genius and immense talent will be remembered and forever cherished in the hearts of his fans and the entertainment industry.
2. Moin Akhtar:
During the golden era of modern filmmaking at Radio Pakistan, Moin Akhtar emerged as a multi-talented genius. He charmed audiences as a versatile Pakistani artist who excelled in television, film, and stage performances. Moin Akhtar's immense talent knew no bounds as he showcased his skills as a humorist, comedian, impersonator, host, writer, singer, director, and producer. However, it was his iconic character "Rozi" that skyrocketed him to fame, making him one of the most beloved figures in the country. Renowned as a one-of-a-kind parodist and hailed as the king of Urdu comedy, Moin Akhtar enchanted audiences throughout his remarkable career. This journey began during his childhood days, when he first stepped into the mesmerizing world of Radio Pakistan’s modern filmmaking. Moin Akhtar's extraordinary journey continued for over 45 years until his untimely demise in 2011, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered.
At the age of 13, Akhter began his acting career as a child actor. He played the role of Shylock in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice in the theater. Akhter stepped into the world of television in September 1966 when he made his debut on Pakistan Television (PTV). The occasion was the country's first Defense Day. Initially, he began his television journey as a comedian, entertaining the audience with his exceptional impersonations. His knack for mimicking Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn and giving voice to the speeches of former US president John F. Kennedy captivated viewers. Alongside notable personalities like Anwar Maqsood and Bushra Ansari, Akhter formed a dynamic duo on television stages, leaving a lasting impression with his diverse roles in various programs.In 2005, ARY Digital introduced the talk show "Loose Talk," where Akhter showcased his incredible talent by effortlessly playing a whopping 400 different characters during interviews with TV host Anwar Maqsood. Not limiting himself to just talk shows, he also hosted game shows resembling the popular format of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" but with a Pakistani twist, titled "Kya Aap Banaingay Crorepati?" These game shows featured Akhter interviewing other characters created by Anwar Maqsood. Moreover, he had the privilege of sharing the stage with legendary Indian icons Dilip Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and Madhuri Dixit, adding more feathers to his cap of achievements.
According to reports, he received a number of prestigious national and international awards throughout his career. In 1996, he was honored with the title of Honorary Citizenship of Dallas for his remarkable achievements. He also won the Special Award for Comedy at The 1st Indus Drama Awards in 2005 and was awarded the Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan in 1996. Furthermore, in 2000, he received the Best Actor Award at the PTV Awards and was honored with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2011.Unfortunately, he passed away on April 22, 2011, around 4:30 pm in Karachi due to a heart attack. He left behind his loving wife, three children, and two sons. His funeral prayer was attended by thousands of people and was led by Junaid Jamshed. Many renowned Bollywood actors, including Johnny Lever, Javed Akhtar, and Shatrughan Sinha, paid tribute to him for his contributions.
3. Amanullah Khan
At number 3 on the legendary comedian list is Amanullah Khan, hailing from Punjab (Gujranwala). Born in 1946, this talented individual, professionally known as Amanullah, mesmerized audiences as a Pakistani Punjabi theatre performer, comedian, and TV artist. Renowned as one of the finest comedians in the Indian subcontinent, he earned immense respect.What made Amanullah truly special was his ability to observe the world around him and derive humor from everyday occurrences. His unique talent influenced countless artists and touched the lives of many people. Amanullah holds a remarkable world record of 860-day night theatre plays, a feat that demonstrates his unparalleled dedication to his craft.Over a career spanning 50 years, he astounded audiences with his performances in more than 2000 stage plays, a truly remarkable accomplishment in the entertainment industry. What sets him apart is his remarkable storytelling ability, where he weaves together amusing anecdotes from daily life into a captivating narrative. With impeccable timing and a distinct accent, Amanullah knew how to grab the audience's attention and keep them hooked throughout.Simply put, Amanullah Khan was a master at his craft, a true gem in the world of comedy.
He's not your average comedian. This guy has a knack for storytelling and turning everyday life events into hilarious and unforgettable moments. With his impeccable timing and knack for accents, he knows how to grasp the audience's attention and keep them interested.Not only has he received numerous national and international awards, but he was also honored with the prestigious Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 2018.You might have seen him in some popular stage dramas like "Begum Dish Antenna," "Disco Deewanay," "Khirki Ke Peechay," and "Muhabbat CNG." And let's not forget his appearances on famous reality shows on top TV channels like "Khabarnak," "Khabarzar," and "mazaq rat." He's even made a name for himself internationally by taking part in the Great Indian Laughter Challenge in India, where he received massive appreciation.This guy knows how to make people laugh, and he's got the awards and international fame to prove it.
In January 2018, our dear friend had to go to the hospital because he fell seriously ill. Thankfully, he received great care at a local hospital in Lahore where he was treated in the intensive care unit. After some time, he was well enough to leave the hospital and continue his recovery at home.Initially, it seemed like a common cold, but sadly, his condition became quite complicated. Despite the efforts to get him better, he sadly passed away on March 6th, 2020 at the age of 74 in Lahore. It was kidney failure that took him from us.Let's cherish the memories we had with him and remember the wonderful person he was.
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Good article! Moin akhtar loose talk show was one of the best in the history!