Reality television shows have similar endings -- tears of joy, overnight stardom, flashy new cars, prizes galore and a media blitzkrieg. The scene at Star One's popular show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Dwitiya, which Rauf Lala won, was no different.But what perhaps made Lala unique was the fact that creativity and artistic talent have nothing to do with politics and cross-border tension. Hundreds of thousands of Indian television watchers voted Lala, a resident of Karachi, Pakistan, as the Hasi Ka Shahenshah.
rediff.com caught up with the winner.
Congratulations! You must be feeling special today. This is much more than a mere victory in a reality show.
Thank You. I would like to extend my gratitude to Star One, the people of India and everyone from The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Dwitiya for giving me this opportunity and for honouring me with this wonderful title. Allah has been very kind to me.
I believe my winning this title reiterates the fact that the choices across the border are same. We all have similar likes and dislikes -- there is no difference in India and Pakistan's humour. People in Karachi are very happy about my victory. You won't believe the number of calls I am getting from the media in Pakistan. I am really longing to go home and talk to them.
You are a famous comedian in Pakistan, having done stage shows for more than two decades. Why did you suddenly decide to participate in Laughter Challenge?
Let me explain something first. Not sure whether you are aware or not, all the saas-bahu serials of Star Plus are extremely popular in Pakistan. Almost everybody in Pakistan is glued to these serials and they watch the repeat telecast as well!
So when I got an offer from Pankaj Saraswat (creative head of Laughter Challenge)
for participating in the show, I did not think twice. I got in touch with the authorities immediately. But frankly, I did get a bit upset when they asked me to audition. After so many years in the industry, it did feel a bit odd to audition.
I have worked with (Pakistani actor) Omar Sheriif for the last 25 years and have a very special relationship with him. I have also done a number of films in Pakistan, so my first reaction to the audition was -- why don't you just go and watch a few of my videos, but then I auditioned, in the spirit of the contest.
Tell us something about yourself.
I live in a joint family with my elder brother and sister. We have a huge house where I live with my wife, two sons and a daughter. My elder brother and one sister who is married also live with us.
I am closest to my daughter. I am really counting my days to go home, meet my family.
Who is your idol?
There is no doubt about this Mehmoodji. It is not just the quantum of work that he has done, but the quality that really separates him from the rest. Maintaining quality in humour is very difficult, and if you consider the amount of work he has done, you will know why he is my idol. He has covered almost everything possible in comedy.
How was your stay in India? Is this the first time you are visiting our country?
This is the first time I have come to India. Unfortunately, my schedule was so tight that I hardly got any time to go around and visit places. But I did take time out to visit Haji Ali and the Gateway of India (in Mumbai). I liked Haji Ali a lot. We went there at night and it was looking stunning in the sea.
Actually, in a number of ways Karachi and Mumbai are similar. Especially the traffic -- it becomes unbearable at times. But I enjoyed my stay here.
