Johnny Lever, Daler Mehndi bid touching adieu to late King of Comedy Umer Sharif

The demise of legendary performer Umer Sharif on October 2, 2021, shook Pakistan’s entertainment industry to its core. Many took to social media to express their grief while others shared their memories of Sharif to honour the person he was. Many also sang praises about his quick wittedness, unyielding yet meaningful humour and comic timing.

But what hurt most was how the comedian, who was known to leave people in fits, had now left them in tears and silence. The undisputed King of Comedy was thus, showered with tributes from fans and celebrities from both Pakistan and India, many of whom felt this silence deeply and resonated with his work.

In a phone conversation with a local TV channel, Indian comic actor Johnny Lever said, “Last I spoke to Umer Sharif, we were planning to host a stand-up Johnny Lever, Umer Sharif Night in America.” The Phir Hera Pheri actor added, “Sharif’s demise is a huge loss for Pakistan’s entertainment industry. He was a genius performer and man. I met him when he came to India back in the 90s and we talked for hours and what I loved most was how quick witted he was. Not every comedian can be that. In fact, we all would end up wondering where this man gets his responses from, he was gifted. What he did can’t be learned or practiced. “

Indian singer, songwriter Daler Mehndi also shared a video requesting his fans to pray for the late legend. He started off saying, “Friends, today is a sad day for I have just found out that Umer Sharif sahab, who was a brilliant actor, passed away. I’m thankful to everyone who tried to save his life, including Imran Khan sahab. But what’s in God’s hands will remain in God’s hands. And now I’d just appreciate if everyone could say a prayer for him.”

While Veer actor Zareen Khan also tweeted to mourn the loss, “You are a permanent part of my childhood memory. You will always be remembered as the man who made my whole family laugh through your show. A pioneer of spreading laughter, you will forever be remembered.”

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