Munawar Zarif

Munawar Zarif (Punjabi, ; 2 February 1940 – 29 April 1976) was a Pakistani film actor and comedian. His fans named him Shahenshah-e-Zarafat , meaning the King of Humor.

He was one of the most popular and highest paid actors of the 1970s and is considered one of the greatest comedians of South Asia.

Early life and career Munawar Zarif was born on 2 February 1940 in Gujranwala, Punjab.

He received his first Nigar Award in "Special Award" category for his performance in Ishaq Deewana (1971). He won the Nigar Award in the "Best Comedian" category for Baharo Phool Barsao (1972) and Zeenat (1975 film). He appeared in more than 300 films from 1961 to 1976. He was well-known for his Ad-Lib dialogue delivery.

He was lifelong friend of fellow comedian Ali Ejaz.

Munawar Zarif got married through a traditional arranged marriage within his extended family.

Death

Zarif's family announced his death in Pakistan, on 29 April 1976 at the age of 36.

Radio Pakistan Multan programme manager Asif Khan Khaitran reminisced 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."

According to a major English-language newspaper of Pakistan, other noted Pakistani comedians Umer Shareef, Moin Akhter and Sohail Ahmed copied his spontaneous and well-timed style before they became famous.

Filmography 1960s Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes