IT’S very simple to be happy; but it’s very difficult to be simple. Plus it is more difficult to make others happy being simple. Well he has completely been up to the task.
Making thousands laugh out loud is something Umer Sharif has done thousands of times. Then, why not. He is perhaps the biggest name in mainstream theatre in Pakistan; a name that has served comedy lovers all over.
However, in movies, Umer Sharif has a penchant for the Hollywood and his first preference goes for the classic, The Message. He says that the movie adequately depicts the history of Islam. “What inspires me the most is that they have shown the best collection of hadiths. Besides, the movie was a good move in showing the non-Muslim world how much hard work was done by our beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him) and his followers to make the seed of Islam grow in the Arabian desert,” says Umer Sharif. And it is from this movie itself that he admires Anthony Quinn’s work as the main lead.
However, the actor whose work he enjoys that most is the legendary Charles Chaplin. Umer loves to watch the comedian’s movies and draw inspiration from his work. Says he: “He was the one who really worked hard in making others laugh. It’s unbelievable that how can someone make people laugh without even saying a word. He really did great work.”
As far as music is concerned, he is definitely not interested in hip-hop or rock music. Umer Sharif says that he has always enjoys classical music.
“Ghazals please me more that anything,” says Umer. Still, one particular person whose work he likes to listen is the Pakistani Mehdi Hassan. Umer says, “I really like Mehdi Hassan sahib. In fact he is my favourite singer. The way he twirls his voice while singing is something nobody has ever done”.
Ye dhuan khan se uthta hai, Teri mefil sey ye dewana and Zindagi main to sabhi are the numbers he enjoys the most. On various occasions Umer has tried to copy Mehdi Hassan’s voice to entertain the viewers.
“In one of my stage dramas, Budha ghar pay hai, I tried to copy Mehdi Hassan which people liked,” remembers Umer.
Umer is a good composer as well and he is assisting Indian technicians as he lends a helping hand to the Indian film industry. But does he like Indian music? “Well, in Indian music too I like classical songs, because they never die. Classical songs especially ghazals are always as fresh and new as ever. But in Indian music, Naushad’s songs delight me very much.”
Talking of books Umer Sharif says he has his own collection. But in books, he likes reading works based on real events. “I enjoy reading short stories, but they should relate to real happenings. I believe real stories relay a true message to the readers. And that is the reason I don’t like reading fiction,” says Umer.
Umer likes writing as well and for that reason he is himself writing a book. However, Mushtaq Yousufi and Sadat Hassan Minto are his most favourite names. “Mushtaq Yousufi’s Chirag Taley is my most favourite book and I have a big collection of Minto’s work also. Minto’s stories have really inspired me a lot,” says Umer Sharif. He also enjoys Ahmed Faraz’s work. Faraz’s poetry is another big draw for Umer’s likeness in literature.
On being asked about the present form of stage dramas he comments, “Stage plays nowadays have become quite vulgar and that is the reason I have kept myself away from it for a long time.” Still, he must have a favourite! “Lotey aur lifafey is my most favourite. It was based on the political situation of our country. Although there had been a lot of efforts to ban the play, people still loved it. And in addition I like another stage drama of mine, Aao sach bolein. We had a great teamwork in it,” he remembers. His choice might be a shock for his fans who have appreciated his early stage shows — Bakra qistoon pay and Budha ghar per hai — on a very high note.
FAVOURITE MOVIE: The Message
FAVOURITE BOOK: Mushtaque Yousufi’s Chirag Taley
FAVOURITE SONGS: Ye Dhuan Sa Khan Se Uthta Hai, Teri Mehfil Se Ye Dewana, and Zindagi Mein To Sabhi.
IT’S very simple to be happy; but it’s very difficult to be simple. Plus it is more difficult to make others happy being simple. Well he has completely been up to the task.
