JEDDAH — “Only hard work does not guarantee success, luck also plays an important role. Many people from this generation are in such a hurry to gain success that they take any shortcut that comes their way, which leads to disappointments after quick fame,” said Rauf Lala, a renowned Pakistani comedian. Born and brought up in Karachi, Lala is the father of three sons and a daughter; he had worked as a municipality officer before nurturing and showing off his god-gifted talent to the world. Earlier known as Abdul Rauf, Lala was motivated by his elder brother Abdul Samad, a writer and director who stepped in the field of acting 35 years back in Katrick Hall in Karachi, Pakistan, to enter the entertainment industry. Lala believes that playing the role of a comedian is not an easy task, bringing smile on the faces and making people laugh in these distressing, depressing and miserable times is “a kind of worship.” “I am a writer of 28 famous plays, including the world famous stage show “Bakra Qiston Pe - Part 1. I have learned a lot from my seniors like Moin Akhtar, Omar Sharif,” said Lala who essayed the character of “Sharfu” in the play. He further said that the play has given an identity to Pakistani plays. Lala's other successful and famous plays are “Munda Bigad Jay,” “Bahu Hu Bahu,” “Bolo Brothers,” and” Eid Manao Saath Saath.” His favorite comedians are Late Razzak Raju, Omer Sharif and Moin Akther. Winner of “The Great Indian Laughter Challenge - Season 2,” Lala believes to do things in a different yet moderate way, without compromising on values. After his stint in the Indian comedy show, Lala has also worked in several Indian movies like “Bhawnao Ko Sumbhaal Ke Rakhna (Constrain your feelings).” Directed by Sunil Pal, a famous Indian comedian, the film found its place in the Guinness World Records for casting 52 Indo-Pak standup comedians. Today, Lala has received countless honors for his humor, but there have also been some painful experiences along the way. “Acting in a comic role is difficult than it seems, especially when you are facing some unfortunate situation. I remember in one of my play I had to perform soon after the death of my mother as I had earlier committed to it.
“I was crying backstage while making people laugh when I was on stage. That is my memorable experience as it shows me as an actor,” he said, adding that comedians are totally inhuman onstage as they have to go beyond their emotions. He also said that an artist should be like water, he/she should be able to mold themselves according to situations. Lala advised youths to be patient as hard work never goes unnoticed, and they should never underestimate their talent.
