Iftikhar Thakur
Iftikar Thakur (Urdu, Punjabi: افتخار ٹھاکر), born Iftikhar Ahmed, is a Pakistani actor, stand up comedian, director and host.
Iftikhar Thakur | |
|---|---|
| Born | Iftikhar Ahmed 1 April 1958 |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Other names | Kukki |
| Occupations |
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| Children | 4 |
| Awards | Pride of Performance by the President of Pakistan (2019) |
| Comedy career | |
| Medium |
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| Genres | |
| Subject(s) |
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He rose to fame for his roles in Punjabi drama.[1]
He has starred in numerous stage shows and telefilms in different languages including Punjabi/Pothwari and Urdu. He currently stars in the comedy talk show Mazaaq Raat, where he portrays Mian Afzal Nirgoli, a Punjab Police officer.[2][3][4]
He has also directed a play, Roti Khol Dayo.
Early life
Thakur was born in Mian Channu, Punjab, Pakistan on April 1, 1958.[5]
Prior to becoming an actor, he worked in an auto repair facility fixing punctured tires.
Education
Thakur completed his Intermediate from Commerce College Karachi.
After jumping into the stage and film world, in 1997 he went to the United States of America for polishing his back end in acting and direction and got his 3 years and 2 months training certificate from New York Film academy.
Career
Thakur started his career from Pakistan Theatre. He adopted the name Iftikhar Thakur based on a character he played in stage dramas.[6]
Filmography
Television serials
| 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 |
| 2016–18 | Choki # 420 | Aaj Entertainment | |
| 2017–18 | Nawab Ghar | Nawab | PTV Home |
| 2022 | Chaudhry and Sons | Mukhtar Chaudhry | Geo TV |
Television shows
| 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 |
Films
 |
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 ley ke jaani ay | 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 | India | ||
| 2023 | Annhi Dea Mazaak Ae |
TBA |
Controversies
Petition against Indian films
In September 2015, Thakur protested India's 28 August cease-fire violation,[7] by filing a court petition to permanently ban Indian films from Pakistani cinemas.[8] The petition was dismissed, with the court explaining that the Ministry of Culture would be the correct agency to petition.
Awards and recognition
- Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 2019[9]
References
- "Cultural resorts abuzz with activity". Dawn (newspaper). 10 November 2011. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
- 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.
- "Three flicks expected on Eid". Dawn (newspaper). 3 November 2011. Archived from the original on 13 September 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
- "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.
- Thenweer, Suniya (3 December 2019). "25 Best Pakistani Stage Artists of All Time". DesiBlitz. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- 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.
- 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.
- "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.
- "18 foreigners among 127 to be conferred civil awards on 23rd". Dawn (newspaper). 10 March 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2022.