Munawar Zarif

He was born on 25 December 1940 in Gujranwala, Punjab.[1] He started his film career from a Punjabi film Dandian in 1961 and got a breakthrough in the film Hath Jori in 1964, which was his first super-hit movie. After a film career as a comedian, he became a film actor, first as a side-hero in film Parday Mein Rehnay Do (1973) and then in the title roles and hero in the same year in film Banarsi Thug (1973) and Jeera Blade (1973). Possibly his most popular role was in 1974’s Naukar Wohti Da, which became one of the most celebrated films of Pakistan.[10] He received his first Nigar Award in "Special Award" category for his performance in Ishaq Deewana (1971). He won Nigar Award again in "Best Comedian" category for Baharo Phool Barsao (1972) and Zeenat (1975). He appeared in more than 300 films in just 16 years from 1961–76.[11] He was also famous for his Ad-Lib dialogue delivery. Often he would improvise so much that his fellow actors would have trouble keeping up with him.[1][9]

Munawar Zarif was younger brother of popular comedian Zarif. He was lifelong friend of fellow comedian Ali Ejaz.[12] His son Fiasal Munawar Zarif debuted as main lead with film like Puttar Munawar Zarif da and Putter Jeerey Blade da, but he was declined by the audiences. He died on August 20, 2019 in Morocco.[2] Munir Zarif, Rasheed Zarif and Majeed Zarif were also his brothers.

Zarif's grave at BiBi Pakdaman graveyard Lahore

Munawar Zareef was unable to live a longer life, Because of his liver problems[13] On 29 April 1976, he died in Lahore due to Cirrhosis of the liver.[14] Munawar Zarif was laid to rest at Bibi Pak Daman Cemetery, Lahore.[15][9]

Munawar Zarif is often regarded as the greatest comedian ever in Pakistani films.[11] Actor and comedian Sohail Ahmed compared him with Charlie Chaplin and called him the most powerful artist of Indo-Pakistan.[16] Journalist Tahir Sarwar Mir called him Neil Armstrong of comedy,[17] While comedian Ali Ejaz called him an extempore comedian.[17] Bollywood actors Dharmendra, Johnny Lever and Govinda were among his admirers.[17] Munawar Zarif was only star comedian who was casted more than anyone in title roles in film industries of South Asia.[17] Actor Habib said that his style was different then the likes of Johnny Walker, Rangeela and Mehmood.[17] Famous actress Babra Sharif stated that Nobody can reach his level and that there will not be another Munawar Zarif.[17] Radio Pakistan Multan programme manager Asif Khan Khaitran talked about the success of Munawar Zarif and said: "There was a time in his career when writers would develop script with Munawar Zarif's personality in mind."[18]

He has also set the trend of a comedian lead actor.[19] Zarif's partnership with Rangeela is considered as one of the best comedy duos of the subcontinent.[7] The longest running and highest rated sitcom of Pakistan, Bulbulay is dedicated to Zarif.[20]

Nigar Awards

• Nigar Awards 1971 - Special Award for Ishq Deevana[21]
• Nigar Awards 1972 - Best Comedian for Baharo Phool Barsao
• Nigar Awards 1975 - Best Comedian for Zeenat[22]

• List of Pakistani actors

• Munawar Zarif at the Internet Movie Database
• Filmography of Munawar Zarif on Complete Index To World Film (CITWF) website