KARACHI: The man who immortalized comedy with his outstanding wit, and the one who made his audiences smile gently and laugh uproariously numerous times, deserved to be honoured with coveted civil award Hilal-i-Imtiaz. This pressing demand was made by showbiz celebrities and prominent sports figures for none other than the great Umer Sharif.
The celebrities had gathered at Karachi Gym Khana for ceremony of a book titled Hamay Tum say payar ha”, to eulogise Umer Sharif’s immense artistic talent and services for the country.
The book is compiled by a US-based journalist of Pakistani origin, Arif Afzal Usmani.
Speaking at the ceremony, several artists heaped praise on the legendary comedian who was also present there, and unanimously called for conferment of Hilal-i-Imtiaz for the talented star of Pakistan.
Prominent TV actor Behroz Sabzwari said that Umer Sharif had always been the source of massive proud for Pakistan. TV star Javed Sheikh said he had worked with several Indian artistes who had always admired the artistic talent of Sharif.
“Be it Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, or Akshay Kumar, all these Indian artistes I met and worked with are the true admirers of Umer Sharif in Pakistan. It is like that in entire Pakistan, these Indian artistes have been the followers of only Umer Sharif,” he said with a proud mention of Mr. Sharif.
He prayed for Sharif’s health and further success so he could serve the country with the same passion and commitment as he had been doing untiringly for the last several decades.
Raju Jamil, prominent social figure and son of the late poet Jamiluddin Aali, said it will be overdue on the next government to confer the coveted civil award on Mr. Sharif.
“Such coveted awards have been given to several show business people and actors in the country and Umer Sharif by all means deserves this honoour and praise,” he said.
Former legendary Olympian Islahuddin recalled encounters when Indian hockey players had expressed overwhelming desire to meet Sharif as the comedian. He underlined that Umer Sharif is immensely admired in India more than any other personality of Pakistan.
Another distinguished former hockey player, Samiullah, urged Umer Sharif to continue with his artistic and performing skills to spread humour in society, for very few people had been left in the country who were naturally talented and could make people laugh.
Renowned businessman Sardar Yasin Malik , who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that the business community of the country would fully support the cause of Sharif to complete his charity hospital project in Karachi.
He said it was high time the next government built an institution for the welfare, proper lodging, shelter and support for artistes and sportsmen once they retired from their fields.
In an address much-awaited by the audience, Umer Sharif said figures like Akhtar, Lehri, Munawar Zarif and Nirala deserved such an honour [to have a book in their name] and formal recognition more than him.
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He said that his hospital project “Maa” had got overwhelming support from people from different walks of life, including prominent politicians, sportsmen, artistes, industrialists, businessmen and social activists.
