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Iftikhar Thakur

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Iftikhar Thakur
Born
Iftikhar Ahmed

(1958-04-01) 1 April 1958 (age 66)
NationalityPakistani
Other namesKukki
Occupations
  • Actor
  • Comedian
  • Director
  • Host
  • Philanthropist
Children4
AwardsPride of Performance by the President of Pakistan (2019)
Comedy career
Medium
  • Stand-up
  • Stage
  • Film
  • Television
Genres
Subject(s)

Iftikhar Thakur (Urdu, Punjabi: افتخار ٹھاکر), born Iftikhar Ahmed, is a well-known Pakistani actor, stand up comedian, director, and host. He first gained popularity for his roles in Punjabi drama[1] and has since starred in numerous stage shows and telefilms in different languages, including in Punjabi, most famously in its Pothwari dialect, as well in Urdu.

One of Thakur's most prominent current roles is on the comedy talk show Mazaaq Raat, where he plays the character of Mian Afzal Nirgoli, a humorous portrayal of a Punjab Police officer.[2][3][4] Thakur has also directed a play called Roti Khol Dayo, showcasing his talents beyond acting and comedy. He, however is best known for his vulgar & Double Entendre stage dialogues

In addition to his work in entertainment, Thakur has also been involved in various philanthropic initiatives in Pakistan. He has helped raise funds for healthcare and education projects and has been recognized for his efforts to give back to his community.

Thakur's contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him a significant following and made him a household name in Pakistan. His versatility as an actor and comedian, combined with his philanthropic endeavors, have made him a beloved figure in the country.

Early life and education

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Thakur was born in Mian Channu, Punjab, Pakistan on April 1, 1958.[5]

Thakur did his matriculation from Karachi and graduation from Islamabad and later studied at the New York Film Academy, being encouraged to join the institution by the late senior actor Qavi Khan.[6]

Before joining theatre Thakur did different jobs, including working in the police, driving 16 wheeler trucks in New York and running a small tyre puncture shop.[7]

Career

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Thakur started his career from Pakistan's theatre and adopted the name Iftikhar Thakur based on a character he played in stage dramas.[8][9]

Controversies

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Petition against Indian films

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In September 2015, Thakur protested India's 28 August cease-fire violation,[10] by filing a court petition to permanently ban Indian films from Pakistani cinemas.[11] The petition was dismissed, with the court explaining that the Ministry of Culture would be the correct agency to petition.

Filmography

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Television serials

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Year Title Role Network
1991 Guest House Guest appearance PTV Home
2005 Double Sawari Roshan
Nizam
2006 Rent A Bhoot Bijli
Lagan AJK TV
2007 Lahori Gate Kukki Pehlwan PTV Home
2010–13 Love, Life Aur Lahore A-Plus
2012 Larka Karachi Ka Kuri Lahore Di Nima Gujjar Express Entertainment
2014–15 Kis Se Kahoon Salma's father PTV Home
2016–18 Choki # 420 Aaj Entertainment
2017–18 Nawab Ghar Nawab PTV Home
2022 Chaudhry and Sons Mukhtar Chaudhry Geo TV
2023 Thana Tick Tock Sasta SAB TV

Television shows

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Year Title Role Network
2010–13 Khabarnaak Himself Geo News
2012–13 Masti Gate Host ARY News
2013–present Mazaaq Raat Himself / Fabulous John Ferry / Mian Afzal of Nirgoli Dunya News
2015–18 Sawa Teen Host Neo TV
2022–present Show Name Samaa TV

Films

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Key
Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Title Role(s) Country
2004 Hum Ek Hain Pakistan
2006 Majajan
2006 Phapa Aya Pakistan
Miki Kharo England Aftab
One Two Ka One
2007 Main Julian England Aftab
2008 Gulabo
Anjam
2009 Apnay Huwey Paraye
2010 Channa Sachi Muchi
Wohti Le Kay Jani Aay Chotay Rana Babar Sahab
2011 Thakur 420 Thakur
Sala Sohra Tay Jawai
2012 Wardatiey
2013 Dil Paraye Des Mein
2014 Lafanga
2015 Nikammay Putar
2016 Sawaal 700 Crore Dollar Ka Special appearance
Ishq Positive
Zindgi Guzaro Has Kay
Lahore Se Aagey Special appearance
Gunah Ka Anjam
Saya e Khuda e Zuljalal Peeran Ditta
2017 Phanay Khan Phanay Khan
Geo Sar Utha Kay Police Officer
Jora Shagnan Na
2018 Jackpot Cameo
Kaaf Kangana
2019 Tootan Ni Chaan
Sala Sahab
Chal Mera Putt Chaudhary Shamsher India
2020 Roundabout Pappu Pakistan
Sohnra Sanwal
Chal Mera Putt 2 Chaudhary Shamsher India
2021 Chal Mera Putt 3 Chaudhary Shamsher
Paani Ch Madhaani
2022 Tere Bajre Di Rakhi Pakistan
Maa Da Ladla Chacha India
2023 Annhi Dea Mazaak Ae Khaleel, a taxi driver
Super Punjabi Zaid Gill Pakistan
Sidhus of Southall India
2024 Taxali Gate Asi Saeed Pakistan

Awards and recognition

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References

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  1. ^ "Cultural resorts abuzz with activity". Dawn (newspaper). 10 November 2011. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
  2. ^ Gul, Ali (14 June 2014). "Sach Mooch: From Annie Khalid to Iftikhar Thakur, a case of exploding videos". The Express Tribune (newspaper). Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
  3. ^ "Three flicks expected on Eid". Dawn (newspaper). 3 November 2011. Archived from the original on 13 September 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
  4. ^ "Army chief slams India's 'cowardly' ceasefire violations". The Express Tribune (newspaper). 7 August 2013. Archived from the original on 26 December 2015. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
  5. ^ Thenweer, Suniya (3 December 2019). "25 Best Pakistani Stage Artists of All Time". DesiBlitz. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  6. ^ Ahmed, Shoaib (28 December 2020). "Comedian Iftikhar Thakur plans hospital for kids with thalassaemia". Dawn News. Born at Mian Channu, Iftikhar Thakur did his matriculation from Karachi and graduation from Islamabad. He also studied at the New York Film Academy, for which he gives credit to senior actor Kavi Khan.
  7. ^ Malik, Asma (12 March 2019). "Vasay Chaudhry congratulates Iftikhar Thakur on receiving 'Pride of Performance' award". Daily Pakistan. In a heart-warming post, Vasay Ch wrote that "From being in Police to driving 16 wheeler trucks in NY, from running a small Tyre punctures shop to being the king of Punjabi commercial theatre and Now being awarded the Presidents pride of Performance. Congratulations Thakur Sb, What a Journey."
  8. ^ Khan, Sher (25 August 2013). "The world is our stage: Punjabi theatre hopes to go global". The Express Tribune (newspaper). Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
  9. ^ "Iftikhar Thakur Opens Up About Past Jobs Before Comedy Fame". www.bolnews.com. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  10. ^ Web Desk (7 August 2013). "Army chief slams India's 'cowardly' ceasefire violations - The Express Tribune". Tribune.com.pk. Archived from the original on 26 December 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
  11. ^ "Pak court dismisses comedian's petition for ban on Indian films | world". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
  12. ^ "18 foreigners among 127 to be conferred civil awards on 23rd". Dawn (newspaper). 10 March 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
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