Pakistan’s ‘King of Comedy’ Umer Sharif remembered on death anniversary

Entertainment Desk 

KARACHI: The fifth death anniversary of legendary Pakistani comedian, actor and stage performer Umer Sharif, fondly remembered as the “King of Comedy”, is being observed on Friday, with fans and fellow artists recalling his lasting contribution to the country’s entertainment industry.

Sharif, who entertained generations of audiences through his stage performances, films and television appearances, became one of Pakistan’s most celebrated comedy performers. His distinctive delivery, improvisational style and command over stage comedy also earned him recognition beyond the country.

Born on April 19, 1955, in Karachi’s Liaquatabad area, Sharif began his career as a stage performer and initially worked under the name Umer Zarif before adopting Umer Sharif as his permanent stage name. He rose to prominence during the 1980s, when his stage plays gained widespread popularity across Pakistan.

Sharif also helped take Pakistani stage comedy to audiences outside the country, particularly in India. His plays were distributed through audio cassettes, making his comedy accessible to a much wider audience at a time when recorded stage performances were becoming increasingly popular.

Among his most celebrated productions was Bakra Qistoon Par, which became a landmark of Pakistani stage comedy following its release in 1989. Other popular plays associated with him include Budha Ghar Par Hai, Meri Bhi To Eid Karade and Mama Mojak Mat Karo.

Over the course of his career, Sharif wrote more than 70 stage plays and was involved in several productions as a director and performer. His work helped establish stage comedy as a major form of popular entertainment in Pakistan.

Awards and recognition

Sharif’s achievements were recognised through numerous national honours. His performance in the 1992 film Mr. 420 earned him National Awards for Best Actor and Best Director. He also received 10 Nigar Awards during his career. In recognition of his services to the entertainment industry, he was conferred the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s civil awards.

His influence was not limited to Pakistan. Indian comedians Johnny Lever and the late Raju Srivastava were among performers who admired his work, while Sharif was widely described as the “Godfather of Asian Comedy”.

Death at 66

Umer Sharif died on October 2, 2021, at the age of 66 in Germany, where he had travelled for medical treatment. His death marked the loss of one of the most recognisable figures in Pakistan’s comedy and stage entertainment. Five years after his passing, his performances, characters and distinctive comic style continue to be remembered by audiences and entertainers across Pakistan and beyond.