Pakistan is currently home to a lot of talented, iconic and legendry artists, including the popular Pakistani drama actor Shakeel who is still a familiar face on Pakistani television.
Shakeel — whose original name is Yusuf Kamal--was born on 29th May 1938 in Bhopal, India. Shakeel received his primary education in an English medium school in pre-partition India and also studied at a French missionary school.
In 1952, his family migrated to Karachi, Pakistan, and the young Shakeel — who was at school at the time — went into radio broadcasting as an extra school activity. Later on he turned to acting in plays and then films and then TV dramas. On a recent visit to Jeddah, Shakeel spoke to Arab News.
What was your first TV play and if you were not an actor what other profession would you have chosen?
I have been connected with this field for the past 47 years and my first TV play was Naya Raasta which was penned by Hasina Moin and telecast from Karachi television in 1971. S.M. Yousef, who was a famous filmmaker and director, offered me work as an actor in the film “Honehar,” a story of two brothers in 1966. Its first debuted cast included me, Waheed Murad, Rukhsana, Tarannum and Kamal Irani, and was quite a challenge.
I worked in different films but it was my good luck that all of them were flops and I gravitated towards TV dramas and because of that I am here today. The blessing in disguise was the unsuccessful films which brought me today at the place where I am right now. I started work in television and since then it’s still continuing. However, after that I worked in films but not in commercial films but serious films such as “Jinnah” and “Traffic.”
I never thought of becoming a doctor or actor or taking up another occupation. It was the will of Allah that I become an actor and I am still in the same profession.
You played a number of famous characters. Do you have plans to work in Hollywood or Bollywood?
Yes I want to work on the international level. It’s my wish to act in Hollywood and Bollywood films, but not as an extra. I should have a decent role with proper protocol. I am keen to work on the international level but with respect.
What was your favorite character that you have played and is there any character you still want to play?
I did a number of famous characters in “Shazori,” “Happy Eid,” “Parchiyan,” “Uncle Urfi” and “Zer, Zabar, Pesh.” The most popular and important was “Uncle Urfi” which gave my career positive support. Though at that time my age was not that of uncle’s but Hasina Moin stressed I should take the role. That was the right decision. I wanted to tell the public that I am not only a heartthrob boy, or a chocolate hero, but a serious actor as well. This character gave me the chance to prove myself.
I was very lucky that I played a number of characters in Hasina Moin and Fatma Bjiya dramas and also for other famous writers.
With the passage of time, situations always change and so the acting of an actor develops. There are some characters which were so powerful that they are still alive and they will stay alive... My role of a musician in Asawri was unforgettable. My role of Abu Abdullah in “Shaheen” was also that of an historical character.
I still want to do such strong characters, such a unique role that was never written before and played before. Yes, there are many characters which are in my heart and I wish that someone will write them and I will play them.
I do believe that till the time an actor has an urge to do more he can stay alive otherwise his career is over. Yes there are many things which I still want to do.
Which field is better, TV or film?
There is no discrimination ... it depends on what you provide and how much hard work you do to get some recognition. I have received recognition because of Pakistan TV dramas and I am proud of that. I am really thankful to my Allah that he gave me the opportunity and talent to work as an actor. I started work in the 1970s and I am still continuing.
What is the best award you have ever received?
Allah has always blessed me with fame, respect and almost all of the Pakistan government’s awards for best performance. For me, the best award is the love of people which you get from them, the beautiful words people say about you. That respect and love can’t be bought.
I can still remember the words that Raj Kapoor said about me and what also Dilip Kumar and other legendry actors said.
Is this your first visit to Saudi Arabia?
No this is my 7th visit to Saudi Arabia. The first time I came in 1992 and that was an excellent and unique experience. It was a surprise for me when I received a phone call and was offered to do a show over here in the Kingdom as well as to perform Umrah. I was called by my Allah as an actor and I got paid for that as well. Without the will of Allah no one can come over here and visit the Holy Mosques.
On my first trip, the people who came with me were Anwar Maqsood, Talat Hussain, Shafi Mohammed, Jamshid Ansari, Bahroz Sabzwari, Athar Shah Khan.
That time, I learned a very important lesson of my life. During Tawaf many people recognized me and made me uncomfortable, but it was again from Allah that a small boy guided me and did Tawaf with me. He made it possible for me to kiss the Black Stone. I was very emotional. I learned that if you really want to please Allah you have to be humble and try to please His human beings.
What is your wish and ambition in life?
I want to do charitable work. I want to use my popularity and fame for a good cause ... that’s my wish and ambition of life that at this age. I will do some good work for a good cause. I am ready to cooperate if anyone needs my help for any charitable work.
Recently I delivered a solo performance on stage in a play for 45 minutes... which was liked by many actors and dignitaries. I want to do that play over here in Jeddah. If anyone wants to do any charitable program I am ready to play that role for charity as it is my purpose in life to do some charity work.
