Disheartening to see the death of commercial theatre: Umer Shareef

Umer Shareef hints at a possible return to the world of theatre in an attempt to revive the tradition

KARACHI: For an artist who started an illustrious career from stage, the lack performances in the commercial theatre scene is quite saddening and Umer Shareef is one of them.

“It is very disheartening to see the death of commercial theatre in Karachi. I along with a number of well-known performing artists became global sensations by gaining fame through commercial theatre,” Shareef told Roznama Express.

These days he is busy with his hospital Maa which has entered the construction phase and requires his full attention. “I have been unable to give time to the theatre because of the hospital.”

Shareef who has been part of several iconic stage productions throughout the year such as Bakra Qistoon Pay, Flight 420 and Lotay or Laefafay teased a possible return to the stage saying, “The current situation is not looking good at all and we will have to help revive theatre to its true glory.”

Shareef developed a tremendous fan following not only in Pakistan but throughout the world. In a recent interview with The Express Tribune actor Vidya Balan revealed that she was a fan of his play Bakra Qistoon Pay. “I grew up watching Umer Shareef’s Bakra Qiston Pe as a child, although no one in our house spoke Hindi and Urdu was totally out of the question, we used to watch and enjoy it,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12^th,  2015.

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