Flashback: 6 classic comedy duos of Pakistani television

We list some double acts that are truly unforgettable

KARACHI: A solo comedian can indeed leave you in fits of laughter, but sometimes it takes two to tango!

Pakistan’s television industry serves the best example of this, as it has produced some of the greatest comedy duos of all time. Be it small town dwellers Sona Chandi’s chronicles in the big city or Bobby and Imran's Sab Set Hai middle-class life in Karachi, we have seen the best comic flairs with iconic punchlines and immaculate timing.

Here are six double acts that are truly unforgettable:

1. Allan-Nannha

The classic comedy series Alif Noon starring actor Kamal Ahmed Rizvi as Allan and Rafi Khawar as Nannha was one of the big hits in the 70s. The story revolved around a shrewd businessman, Allan, who used an innocent villager, Nannha, as his front man for all his immoral ploys. But the plot would take an interesting twist at the end of every episode when Nannha would reveal the truth to the public.

PHOTO: DEFENCE.PK

The series written by Kamal Ahmed Rizvi himself was a satirical take on serious social issues such as fraud and scams.



2. Sona-Chandi

The 80s classic Sona Chandi introduced one of TV’s favourite couples: Sona -- played by Hamid Rana -- and Chandi -- played by Sheeba Arshad. The couple move to the city for a better standard of living and during their quest to search for work as domestic helpers, they act an an unknowing aid and help solve other people's problems.

PHOTO: REVIEWIT.PK

Together they highlighting moral values with a tinge of humour. The comedy-drama showed us the lives of the elite through the eyes of the poor.

3. John-Rambo Murad

The popular 90s sitcom Guest House launched one of the finest actors in the industry -- Afzal Khan as John Rambo. Rambo and Murad, played by Tariq Malik, were employees of a guest house. The former played an illiterate janitor, known for his simplicity, honesty and high self-esteem, who was easily offended if someone tipped him. He rose to fame with his hilarious introduction: "My name is Rambo Rambo, John Rambo, Silver (Sylvester) Stallone, Cockroach Killer."

PHOTO: GOSSIP.PK

Murad, on the other hand, was the bell boy who loved to accept tips. He usually hummed Tip Tip Kerta Mein Kamray Mein Ata Hoon. The duo's comedic portrayal made them one of the most applauded characters.



4. Sumbal-Azam

This real-life couple -- Saba Hameed and Waseem Abbas -- has been making waves since the 90s. Their witty chemistry became an instant hit after their sitcom Family Front aired on TV.

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In the show, the two play a married couple, Azam and Sumbal, and try to solve their family problems, but only end up creating more. The comic timing was always perfect. Their one liner: Azam, aap agaye? Nahi, raaste mein hun, became a massive hit among audiences.

5. Cheeku-Mishi

Ace director and actor Sarmad Sultan Khoosat showed his comic best with 90s sitcom Shashlik. Playing the lead role of Cheeku, he shared a love-hate relationship with his cousin Mishi.

PHOTO: VIDPK

Played by Nadia Afgan, Mishi is the dominating character who constantly takes digs at the seemingly effeminate Cheeku. The duo's punchlines left audience in fits of laughter. The situational parody songs also made their show stand apart. The two worked their magic again with Sashlik Xtra Hott later in 2000.



Bobby-Imran

Early 2000s sitcom Sab Set Hai brought forward another leading comedy pair -- Azfar Ali as Imran and Mani as Bobby. The plot was based on youngsters growing up in Karachi's middle-class families, and featured the duo's shenanigans which mostly revolved around hitting on girls.

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They coined popular words ‘topi’ and ‘dhakan’ and also took a dig at the discrimination towards people residing on the ‘other side of the bridge’. The light-hearted comedy made the duo popular among masses and was their first step to fame.