Indian comedian Kapil Sharma paid tribute to legendary Pakistani performer Amanullah Khan during a recent episode of his Netflix series The Great Indian Kapil Show.
Widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s greatest comedians, Amanullah Khan built a decades-long legacy through stage and television, earning recognition for his sharp improvisation and effortless humour. His influence extended beyond borders, shaping the work of comedians across South Asia.
Speaking on the show alongside fellow comedians Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia and Sunil Pal, Sharma recalled a piece of advice he received from Amanullah Khan early in his career. “He told me that competition is usually between heroes and heroines while comedians, on the other hand, are doing a noble job,” Sharma said. He added that Khan emphasised the purpose of comedy as bringing joy to people, regardless of individual recognition. “Amanullah Sahib said that while some comedians may receive a louder laugh than others, the ultimate goal remains the same spreading joy.”
Both comedians share an indirect connection through The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, a platform that launched Sharma’s career and reflected the kind of relatable humour Amanullah Khan had long mastered.
Khan, who began his professional journey in 1977, performed in more than 2,000 stage plays over nearly five decades. He was awarded Pakistan’s Pride of Performance in 2018 for his contribution to the entertainment industry. He passed away on March 6, 2020, due to kidney failure, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence comedians across the region.