Irfan Malik and Ali Hasan revealed that they teamed up as a ‘jodi’ (duo) when they were invited to India for ‘Laughter Challenge’. Suneel V. Gaur and Rajesh V. Gaur met the popular actors for a tete-a-tete. Excerpts:
How was your jodi or team formed?
The organisers of Laughter Challenge wanted to include Pakistani artists. Both of us were included in two different pairs. But, incidentally, both of our partners were unavailable at the last moment. The organisers were in a quandry. We told them that we had done stage plays in Karachi. So they allowed us to become a comic pair for the show. That’s how we became a ‘jodi’.
What was the experience of working in Laughter Challenge like?
The experience was amazing. We found that in India, there is great professionalism. We learnt a lot from the show. Great appreciation, love and respect came our way because of Laughter Challenge, from the people of India.
Did you face any difficulties performing in India?
We thank the Indian Government for giving us the opportunity to exibit our talent here and most importantly the people of India, for showering us with their love and affection.
There should be more cultural exchanges so that people of both India and Pakistan can forge strong friendly ties that would last forever.
Your favourite Indian comic actor?
Paresh Rawal is a versatile actor and is now the leading comic actor of Bollywood. The Pakistani stand up comedians we like are Omar Sharif and late Moin Akhtar.
The film directors you would like to work with?
We did some films like Kushti and Daal Mein Kaala.