Safirullah Siddiqui “Lehri” was one of the most acclaimed comedians of Pakistan. His 85th birth anniversary is being celebrated today.
He was born in British occupied India in 1929. After the partition of the sub-continent Lehri moved to Karachi and worked as a stenotypist in his teenage years.
After working in his work hours, he would make his ends meet by selling hosiery items in Saddar. He was casted in the film Anokhi by director Sheikh Lateef in 1950 which gave him his big break as an entertainer.
He has won several awards. He was awarded the “Nigar Award” for about a dozen Pakistani films. Late Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto gave him an allowance of Rs. 2,500 in her first tenure. The allowance was still being provided to him but the Federal Government did not increased the amount.
He was known for his remarkable performances in films such as Mera Ghar Meri Jannat, Tasvir, Tum Salamat Raho, Ishara, Nai Laila Naya Majnon, Tum Milay Pyaar Mila, Bahadur, Saiqa, Naukar and Zameer.
Lehri has also worked in Punjabi films as well. He was admired by millions of people despite not being casted as a lead actor.
His last film to be released was Dhanak in 1986 and his contribution to the film industry earned him an award in 1993.
He won the Nigar Award 11 times for his films that were released from 1964 to 1986. He was laid to rest on 13th September 2012 in Karachi.
Lehri will forever be remembered in the Pakistani film industry for his immense contributions. Undoubtedly, he is a legend of Pakistani cinema.
