July 30, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 26, 1429

KARACHI, July 29: Ace comedian Safirullah ‘Lehri,’ who regaled generations of Pakistanis starting from the fifties up till the eighties with his films, has appealed to the prime minister of Pakistan for financial help as the meagre government stipend he currently receives is not enough for him to meet his needs in these days of galloping inflation.

The veteran artist was speaking to the media at a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday.

“After 35 years of bringing laughter into people’s lives, I have been left in a corner. I am completely dependent on other people. The government has provided relief, but in these times of inflation and considering my ill health, it is not enough,” Mr Lehri told the media.

Though now – sporting a flowing white beard – the senior artist’s speech has become slurred due to a stroke, his wit is still razor sharp, as instead of pitying himself, Mr Lehri punctuated the press conference with witty comments and hilarious anecdotes that made the packed hall resound with sounds of laughter.

Lehri, who has won the Nigar Award for around a dozen films, said that he had been suffering from ill health for about 20 years now. He told the media that former prime minister Benazir Bhutto had announced a monthly stipend of Rs2,500 for him during her first tenure, which he was still receiving, but there had been no increase in the amount. “This amount is not sufficient to meet my medical expenses,” he said.

Seated in a wheelchair, the elderly artist said he suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems as he was told by doctors that three of his valves had been closed, while one of his feet had been amputated due to gangrene.

He said several current and former government figures including former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Sindh Culture Minister Sassui Palejo had offered him financial help, for which he was grateful, while artist Moin Akhtar had also stood by his side during times of trial. In reply to a question, he said other “friends and well-wishers” had also regularly paid for his treatment.

When a journalist asked what amount would be sufficient to cover his medical and living expenses, in his trademark style he said he didn’t want to mention a figure as he was afraid of being short-changed.

Answering another question, he said he had no regrets as the country and the people had been very kind to him. “In particular, the Lahore film industry has been very good to me. It has made me what I am today.” When asked which leading lady he enjoyed working with most, the septuagenarian artist answered diplomatically, saying he enjoyed working with all actresses.

Opening up his spiritual side, Safirullah Lehri said that he had personally experienced the mercy of God as despite being indisposed for the past 20 years, he had been provided three square meals a day. Asked if he had any wishes, the senior actor said that he wished to pay his respects at the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) mosque in Madina Munawwara.

Lehri’s first film was 1956’s Anokhi, while his last production was 1986’s Dhanak. The vast majority of his films have been in Urdu, though he did perform in a few Punjabi productions. Also, even though he tried his hand at a few serious roles, it is Lehri’s comedic roles that brought him the highest acclaim. Central to his success has been his deadpan delivery, which would elicit peels of laughter from the audience, without the comedian having to resort to crude or sleazy humour.