With Indo-Pak relations being strained of late, the tensions between the governments often seem to percolate to the people and fosters in them hatred for citizens of the other country. In such a scenario, Shehzad Ghias Shaikh, one of Pakistan’s most popular stand-up comics, provided much-needed comic relief by his brilliantly funny Facebook post on Indo-Pak relations that went viral. Among a plethora of other things, the post said Katrina Kaif was the most important reason for Indo-Pak relations to be peaceful and also mentioned how Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik might benefit. The Karachi-based, erudite and young (he’s 27) comic can switch from serious stuff to seriously funny lines in a jiffy. Excerpts from the interview:
Did you expect your post to go viral in India?
I did not expect that at all. The messages and the love I have received from India has been overwhelming.
The post was originally written for DAWN about two years ago. Looking at the current war mongering, I decided to repost it.
Are you ever worried about doing stand-up on sensitive issues?
As long as it is in line with my own moral compass and principles, I feel I have a duty to talk about it. I am very careful about not being on the side of the oppressor while crafting the joke but I do not shy away from subjects. Everything should be talked about — just because you are joking about something does not mean you are making fun of it or trivializing it.
Do you see any difference in the way stand-up is done in the two countries?
I think it is very similar because a lot of our artistic influences growing up are also very similar. I joke about Bollywood and strict parents too.
What do you feel about the clamour by certain sections in India to send back Pakistani artists?
Art is art. Art does not know any nationality. Art belongs to the world. What if nobody outside Italy ever saw the Mona Lisa? You can make rules but you cannot control the flow of art and the exchange of ideas. It was a very knee-jerk retaliation by us to ban Indian movies. I think the Indian film industry is better with the inclusion of talent from Pakistan — they are only hurting themselves by banning them. The lack of support by the Indian film industry was disappointing to say the least.
You are an Actor, Director, Stand up Comedian, Improviser, Lawyer, Writer, TV anchor, Trainer, Journalistic scholar...how do you manage to do so many things?
Lots of sugar and permanent damage to my mental and physical health. It is tough juggling so many things but when you are passionate about things then you do not work by the clock. If you’re smart about it, you can find extra time each day to do things. I am currently employed in six places so I have to ensure I follow a schedule to manage all my commitments.