Omar Sharif

Omar Sharif is going global. The famous Pakistani comedian who leaves his audiences in stitches with his gestures, jokes, punch lines and skits will be directing Tum Mere Ho, a Bollywood production lined up for release later this year. The news came as a surprise to many as there has never been an exchange of directors between India and Pakistan before.

Omar modestly says: “I myself was surprised when the US-based entertainment firm Hello Chicago approached me to direct the film. It is a production house that has partners of Indian origin. They are of the opinion that Indian comedy films are inspired by low-budget Hollywood films and that the direction should focus more on elements of comedy and romance within our cultural context. I consider the offer an honor for myself and Pakistan. I shall perform as writer, director and actor to the best of my abilities.”

So how is Tum Mere Ho special? “We have tried to create a romantic-comedy the likes of which has never been seen before with a blend of romance, obsession, action and other elements. The execution of the story will pave the way for comedy in our own culture.

“I have just returned after shooting 15 per cent of the filming in Hyderabad Deccan. The rest will be shot on location in Chicago, Houston, Dallas and LA. Tum Mere Ho revolves around an old couple played by Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore along with Anupam Kher, Ashmit Patel, Aarthi Chhabria, Paresh Rawal and Johnny Lever for comic relief. The entire crew is Indian while I am the only Pakistani who leads the film into a totally new direction.”

Born in April 1958 in Karachi, Omar made his film debut with Javed Fazil's Hisaab (1986) and has also acted in and directed a number of Pakistani films including the multi-Nigar Award winner Mr 420 and the equally outrageous Mr Charlie. Currently, he is acting in three Indian ventures, while getting recognition as a star and not just a comedian. “After seeing Pakistani screen legends Nadeem and Mohammad Ali land mediocre roles in Bollywood, I didn't want to settle for anything less than good quality films. The roles that I play will be entertaining with the promise to make my compatriots proud.”

Omar says he knows that the more he diversifies his field, the more laurels he can win. “I am associated with 16 different fields of entertainment as a film, TV, film and stage director, writer, actor, lyricist, poet, short story writer, an afsana nigar (a collection of his work is due soon), film distributor and a singer. I am also about to launch my maiden venture, Dil Mein Koi Rehne Laga, as a film musician. I am sure that the producers of Tum Mere Ho chose me to direct the film keeping these things in mind.”

`Below-the-belt humor may be good for laughs on stage, but it's publicly immoral. Artistes should have built-in self-censorship in order to produce good plays. Unfortunately, this custom has met its demise in Lahore theatre. I am proud of the fact that although I discuss women's issues on stage, I have never been banned in any part of the country,' says Omar Sharif

Omar believes that Indian audiences understand humor and praise Pakistani talent just as much as audiences here recognize Indian talent. “I gained familiarity with Indian audiences through an award's ceremony held a couple of years back. I am now recognized as a popular comedian there. During my first visit I met Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and later Aamir Khan during his visit to Karachi. Akshay Kumar, Johnny Lever and Govinda consider me their mentor for which I am grateful. David Dhawan, another fan, sought my permission to remake Mr 420 in India.”

Omar still refrains from working on TV, although he made his TV debut through director Aarfeen's Ferozan in the '70s. “During my initial days as a comedian, when I needed TV the most it ignored me, keeping me from making contact with the public due to its monopoly. But by the grace of God I pioneered the video drama industry with Bakra Kistoon Par and I've never looked back since.”

On the success of Omar Sharif vs Omar Sharif, he says: “These days the moment a good programme - play or game show - is released on TV, it gets copied and clones start running on other channels the very next day. We copy India, India copies America - it's a vicious circle and it will go on unless someone creates something new, different and above all, difficult to plagiarize. Omar Sharif vs Omar Sharif was discreetly done and nobody has yet copied it.”

He says that theatre in Lahore has died because of the absence of self-censorship. “Below-the-belt humor may be good for laughs on stage, but it is cheap, filthy entertainment and publicly immoral. Artistes should have in-built self-censorship in order to produce good plays. Unfortunately, this custom has met its demise in Lahore theatre. In contrast, the one in Karachi is based on the principle of meaningful punch lines, where action and reaction play an important role. I am proud of the fact that although I discuss women's issues on stage, I have never been banned in any part of the country during my 30-year career, thanks to self-censorship.”

Veteran big screen actor Mohammad Ali who passed away last week remains Omar's favourite actor and person. “Ali bhai influenced me a great deal and appreciated my work. He used to tell me that I was doing him a favor and keeping him alive through my mimicking,” he says. He cites Babra Sharif and Shamim Ara as his favourites and Munawwar Zareef as the best comedian ever to grace Pakistani cinema. “I love listening to Mehdi Hassan, Abida Parveen, Mehnaz and Madame Noor Jehan,” he says while Aag Ka Darya, Farangi and Shaheed remain his all-time favorite films.

Omar Sharif has also been quite active in helping the victims of the October 8 earthquake. “When the catastrophe hit Pakistan, I was in London doing a fund-raising show for Abrarul Haq's Sahara Trust. At that time, I was in the process of recovering from bypass surgery as well. When we learned about the quake, Abrar and I decided to divide the show's earnings (totalling at least Rs2.5 million) among the trust and the earthquake victims. I also went to see the quake-hit areas as I felt I needed to do something. Later, my friends and I decided to generate some more funds as well in an attempt to bring smiles on the faces of those who needed us more as helping hands than actors then.”

Omar negates any fears about his performance suffering after his bypass operation. “If anything it will get even better, by the grace of God.”

One can't help but feel that Omar has taken pains to keep his family away from showbiz. “Only my nephew Usman wants to pursue showbiz as a career. My children are busy with their studies right now and I don't see the need to force them into anything. I am the first and the only one to enter this field, and as long as I live, I will try to make my country proud of me.”


	\| Back \| By Omair Alavi - Images Dawn, Pakistani Newspaper. Omar Sharif is going global. The famous Pakistani comedian who leaves his audiences in stitches with his gestures, jokes, punch lines and skits will be directing Tum Mere Ho, a Bollywood production lined up for release later this year. The news came as a surprise to many as there has never been an exchange of directors between India and Pakistan before. Omar modestly says: “I myself was surprised when the US-based entertainment firm Hello Chicago approached me to direct the film. It is a production house that has partners of Indian origin. They are of the opinion that Indian comedy films are inspired by low-budget Hollywood films and that the direction should focus more on elements of comedy and romance within our cultural context. I consider the offer an honor for myself and Pakistan. I shall perform as writer, director and actor to the best of my abilities.” So how is Tum Mere Ho special? “We have tried to create a romantic-comedy the likes of which has never been seen before with a blend of romance, obsession, action and other elements. The execution of the story will pave the way for comedy in our own culture. “I have just returned after shooting 15 per cent of the filming in Hyderabad Deccan. The rest will be shot on location in Chicago, Houston, Dallas and LA. Tum Mere Ho revolves around an old couple played by Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore along with Anupam Kher, Ashmit Patel, Aarthi Chhabria, Paresh Rawal and Johnny Lever for comic relief. The entire crew is Indian while I am the only Pakistani who leads the film into a totally new direction.” Born in April 1958 in Karachi, Omar made his film debut with Javed Fazil's Hisaab (1986) and has also acted in and directed a number of Pakistani films including the multi-Nigar Award winner Mr 420 and the equally outrageous Mr Charlie. Currently, he is acting in three Indian ventures, while getting recognition as a star and not just a comedian. “After seeing Pakistani screen legends Nadeem and Mohammad Ali land mediocre roles in Bollywood, I didn't want to settle for anything less than good quality films. The roles that I play will be entertaining with the promise to make my compatriots proud.” Omar says he knows that the more he diversifies his field, the more laurels he can win. “I am associated with 16 different fields of entertainment as a film, TV, film and stage director, writer, actor, lyricist, poet, short story writer, an afsana nigar (a collection of his work is due soon), film distributor and a singer. I am also about to launch my maiden venture, Dil Mein Koi Rehne Laga, as a film musician. I am sure that the producers of Tum Mere Ho chose me to direct the film keeping these things in mind.” `Below-the-belt humor may be good for laughs on stage, but it's publicly immoral. Artistes should have built-in self-censorship in order to produce good plays. Unfortunately, this custom has met its demise in Lahore theatre. I am proud of the fact that although I discuss women's issues on stage, I have never been banned in any part of the country,' says Omar Sharif Omar believes that Indian audiences understand humor and praise Pakistani talent just as much as audiences here recognize Indian talent. “I gained familiarity with Indian audiences through an award's ceremony held a couple of years back. I am now recognized as a popular comedian there. During my first visit I met Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and later Aamir Khan during his visit to Karachi. Akshay Kumar, Johnny Lever and Govinda consider me their mentor for which I am grateful. David Dhawan, another fan, sought my permission to remake Mr 420 in India.” Omar still refrains from working on TV, although he made his TV debut through director Aarfeen's Ferozan in the '70s. “During my initial days as a comedian, when I needed TV the most it ignored me, keeping me from making contact with the public due to its monopoly. But by the grace of God I pioneered the video drama industry with Bakra Kistoon Par and I've never looked back since.” On the success of Omar Sharif vs Omar Sharif, he says: “These days the moment a good programme - play or game show - is released on TV, it gets copied and clones start running on other channels the very next day. We copy India, India copies America - it's a vicious circle and it will go on unless someone creates something new, different and above all, difficult to plagiarize. Omar Sharif vs Omar Sharif was discreetly done and nobody has yet copied it.” He says that theatre in Lahore has died because of the absence of self-censorship. “Below-the-belt humor may be good for laughs on stage, but it is cheap, filthy entertainment and publicly immoral. Artistes should have in-built self-censorship in order to produce good plays. Unfortunately, this custom has met its demise in Lahore theatre. In contrast, the one in Karachi is based on the principle of meaningful punch lines, where action and reaction play an important role. I am proud of the fact that although I discuss women's issues on stage, I have never been banned in any part of the country during my 30-year career, thanks to self-censorship.” Veteran big screen actor Mohammad Ali who passed away last week remains Omar's favourite actor and person. “Ali bhai influenced me a great deal and appreciated my work. He used to tell me that I was doing him a favor and keeping him alive through my mimicking,” he says. He cites Babra Sharif and Shamim Ara as his favourites and Munawwar Zareef as the best comedian ever to grace Pakistani cinema. “I love listening to Mehdi Hassan, Abida Parveen, Mehnaz and Madame Noor Jehan,” he says while Aag Ka Darya, Farangi and Shaheed remain his all-time favorite films. Omar Sharif has also been quite active in helping the victims of the October 8 earthquake. “When the catastrophe hit Pakistan, I was in London doing a fund-raising show for Abrarul Haq's Sahara Trust. At that time, I was in the process of recovering from bypass surgery as well. When we learned about the quake, Abrar and I decided to divide the show's earnings (totalling at least Rs2.5 million) among the trust and the earthquake victims. I also went to see the quake-hit areas as I felt I needed to do something. Later, my friends and I decided to generate some more funds as well in an attempt to bring smiles on the faces of those who needed us more as helping hands than actors then.” Omar negates any fears about his performance suffering after his bypass operation. “If anything it will get even better, by the grace of God.” One can't help but feel that Omar has taken pains to keep his family away from showbiz. “Only my nephew Usman wants to pursue showbiz as a career. My children are busy with their studies right now and I don't see the need to force them into anything. I am the first and the only one to enter this field, and as long as I live, I will try to make my country proud of me.”