"Shahbaz Sharif then came towards me"
Throughout his career, Iftikhar Thakur has had the privilege of performing in front of some of Pakistan’s most prominent political figures.
These include Imran Khan, Shahbaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif, and the late Pervez Musharraf.
The comedian’s experiences with these politicians have provided him with a unique perspective on their ability to take a joke.
Recently, Iftikhar Thakur appeared as a guest on the popular talk show Hasna Mana Hai.
There, he shared his interactions with Pakistani politicians and their reactions to humour.
He revealed that contrary to popular belief, most politicians are capable of taking a joke and laughing at themselves.
Iftikhar recounted an incident where he was in the studio when Shahbaz Sharif arrived.
He not only received jokes but also reciprocated with his own witty remarks.
Iftikhar said: “He looked at me and jokingly said, ‘This guy is also here?’
“Then Sohail told him that it was my show that he was going to. Shahbaz Sharif then came towards me and asked what was going to happen in the show.”
“I said to him, ‘Looking at your appearance, I can only make fun of you’.”
Shahbaz Sharif asked: “For example, what will you make fun of?”
Iftikhar continued: “I said to him that his face looks like a hammer made out of wood. To this Shahbaz Sharif told me that I look like a rat from China.”
This experience led Iftikhar to conclude that the Sharif family strongly appreciated humour.
Another memorable encounter Iftikhar shared was with former governor Chaudhry Sarwar. Chaudhry Sarwar playfully pulled a joke on him during the Pride of Performance award ceremony.
Iftikhar shared: “He was giving me the medal and congratulated me on getting a pride of performance award. ‘Congratulations on getting the award even though you don’t look like you deserve an award’, he said to me.”
Iftikhar, quick on his feet, responded with a joke of his own, which Chaudhry Sarwar took in stride.
“I said to him that it is by the grace of God that you are a governor.”
“People like you sit behind Mehdi Hasan playing the tabla.”
The public had a positive response towards Iftikhar Thakur’s statements.
One user said: “Iftikhar Sahab is an exceptional gentleman and a remarkable human being.”
“I’ve admired him as an entertainer since my childhood, but learning about his philanthropic work for children suffering from thalassemia in Pakistan and his stories of Hajj through his interviews has made me a true fan. May Allah Paak bless him.”
Another added: “He is such a legend. His respect and unbiasedness towards politicians is much appreciated.”
One wrote: “Such funny encounters. He really is great.”
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