ALKHOBAR, 23 April 2004 — Pakistani comedian Omar Sharif enthralled a large number of Indo-Pakistani audience with his jokes, impersonations and satire at a function organized by the Asian Cultural Society and Waseem International on Wednesday.
Fresh from his huge success at the Zee TV’s award ceremony which made Sharif a household name in India as well, Omar Sharif gave a live wire performance.
Though some of his jokes were “borrowed”, he still managed to electrify the large crowd that had paid SR60 per ticket and had to wait several hours for the show to begin.
Sharif was sometimes teasing and gentle and often brutal. His targets included the Pakistan cricket team and corrupt public servants, but he also did some impressions of singers Mehdi Hassan and Ghulam Ali.
Sharif, who is famous for his misogynistic satire, showed a measure of restraint with regard to women. He also told some sardarji jokes, dedicating them to the lone sardar in the crowd.
Sharif said he loved performing in the Eastern Province because the people were attentive and very generous in their applause.
Indian music director and mandolin player Mustafa Sajjad played tunes from old Pakistani and Indian movies.
Singers Khalid Siddiqui, Tariq and Aqeel Anwar sang some lively numbers. The music was provided by Hanifa group.
Omar Sharif will perform today in Dammam’s King Fahd Park. Around 7,000 people are expected to attend.
Tickets costing SR25 can be bought at the entrance. All rides to the amusement park are free.