Karachi based stand up comic Rauf Lala’s won The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Dwitiya last night. He says he’s hardly bothered by the dictates of boundaries, “feeling as much at home in Mumbai as roaming the streets of Karachi.”
A professional stand-up comedian in Pakistan for two decades, Lala has performed with the likes of Pakistan’s renowned comedian, Omar Sharif. Minutes after crowning as the Hasi kabadshah he relives his victory.
How does it feel winning an Indian challenge?
The competition had a very talented mix of contestants, both local as well as my fellow contestants from Pakistan. But everything is so similar between the two countries that I hardly feel I am in a different country.
Most stand out moment so far?
It was prior to the mega finals when most of us were nervous and physically exhausted. That was when I personally took it upon me to pep up the spirits of everybody.
What’s your favourite joke?
What did Tarzan say on seeing a dead cheetah? Thank God, there lies my new underwear! Who are you favourite Indian comic actors?
I have seen all the films of Mehmood and admire him a lot, apart from Jagdeep and Kader Khan. Paresh Rawal in the current lot is very good. I liked him a lot in Phir Hera Pheri.
{{/usCountry}}I have seen all the films of Mehmood and admire him a lot, apart from Jagdeep and Kader Khan. Paresh Rawal in the current lot is very good. I liked him a lot in Phir Hera Pheri.
{{/usCountry}}So when do we see you next in India?
Though the compliments haven’t stopped coming from India, there are my friends back home, eager to meet me. Idhar ki badhaiyan sari bator li, ab ghar ki khushiyon mein bhi mujhe shamil hona hai. I will be back to Mumbai and Delhi in July as part of a series of stage shows with Omar Sharif.