Shakeel Siddiqui

Shakeel Siddiqui (; born 26 May 1964) is a Pakistani television stand-up comedian, stage and film actor, theatre director and playwright.

Initially interested in singing, on the insistence of a cousin he began his career as a stage actor in the early 1980s, inspired by comedian Lehri and collaborating with the likes of Moin Akhter and especially Umer Shareef.

In the 2000s, he also rose to prominence in India after appearing as a contestant in Comedy Circus.

Shakeel Siddiqui also appeared as a celebrity guest in Salman Khan's reality game show, Dus Ka Dum (2008).

In Pakistan, Shakeel is also known as Teeli, after his character from the popular theatre play Bakra Qiston Pay.

Career Early career as stage actor In his earlier career, Shakeel did not quite click until he was discovered by Umar Shareef, who eventually made him an important theater artist. Both worked together in several stage dramas, including Bakra Qiston Pay (Goat On Installments), Yeh To House Full Hogaya (Full House), Nayee Ammi Purana Abba (New Mother, Old Father), Dulhan Main Lekar Jaonga (I Will Take The Bride), Beauty Parlour, Budha Ghar Per Hai (The Old Man Is Home) and many more.

Theatre director and playwright Outside acting, Shakeel had also directed and written plays, including Dunya Do Numberi, which was staged in Karachi's Arts Council of Pakistan in 2020.

Success in India and departure (2008–2016) Due to the 26/11 attack in Mumbai, all the artists from Pakistan, including Shakeel, were asked to leave the country. Some news channels and blogs reported that Shakeel was beaten and forced to leave India by locals due to 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

However, he later denied being beaten or abused and claimed that the producers of Sony were threatened by the members of MNS of "dire consequences" if they continue to allow Pakistanis to perform on their shows. As a safety precaution, the producers and the artist agreed to have him leave the country. This claim coincides with later reports.

In early 2014, Shakeel made a comeback to Indian screen with Comedy Classes on Life Ok.

Selected filmography Stage dramas

Television dramas

Films

Television reality shows