While Sami has half a decade of experience in Improv Theater, he entered the realm of standup comedy only last year. PHOTO: FILE
While Sami has half a decade of experience in Improv Theater, he entered the realm of standup comedy only last year. He credits fellow comedian Akbar Chaudry for that. “He was the one who pushed me to go for it. He said, ‘Why don’t you try this? Explore some new things.’”
In a year and a half, the comedian has performed in about 25 shows and has become a well-known name in the local comedy circuit. However, he never saw himself as a comedian. “I studied at SZABIST and our theater instructor, Zeeshan Haider, was the one who told me I had a knack for it.”
Sami then started out with the funnymen Ali Gul Pir and Saad Haroon in 2011, writing and performing comedy and theater with different troupes. They upped their game with the LOL Waalay comedy troupe by 2013.
He believes getting into the improv zone is a challenge. When asked about his evolution as a comedian and his voice, he says, “I don’t worry about finding my voice. I don’t know if I have found it and haven’t realised. I believe in working through and just keep creating. A signature voice comes with years of practice but honestly, I don’t think much about it.”
When it comes to ideas, Sami doesn’t believe in making big statements. “I don’t understand politics and social issues. I barely understand myself so I don’t do comedy to make statements about our society. I just explore myself and have fun. Most of my jokes are based on my experiences and our day-to-day life.”
The comedian is quite content with the growth of local comedy scene. “When we started out, there were only seven troupes. Now we have a lot more and about 35 comedians working. I’m glad because now people have more options for entertainment. It’s not just movies and food now. These shows are becoming a trend.”
Whether one can financially survive doing just comedy, Sami believes, it’s possible. “You definitely can. But not just as a standup comedian. You have to get involved in all aspects of it. You can give up your job and work as an actor, improv artist, comedy writer and performer and make enough money to quit your day job and totally depend on it. The best part is you don’t even have to work every day.”
Maskari with Osama will feature the comedian performing his one-hour set, with opening acts by Syed Muhammad Kumail, Jaffer Shah and Ehsan Yar. The show will be hosted by Ali Gul Pir. Asked what the audiences should expect from the show, Sami says, “Just a lot of fun, man! Come and bring your friends and you will have a good night with a lot of laughter.”
Maskari with Osama will be held at Business Executive Center at 8.30 pm.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 7th, 2016.
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