Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: January 09, 2025 | 
| 中文
Rangeela and Munawwar Zarif in Baat Pohanchi teri Jani tak (The message reached your beloved).
In 1968, Nazir Baig, freshly rechristened as Nadeem, was filming his debut project in West Pakistan, after achieving success in the East. His popularity and potential were evident, as he commanded an unprecedented fee for an actor at the time. Eager to guarantee the film's box office success, the producer Shabab Kairanvi decided to employ a clever “Rangeela/Munawwar Zarif” tactic to elevate its appeal. One day, Munawwar Zarif, already a celebrated comedian, visited the set at Shabab Studios in Lahore. The immensely talented Rangeela was part of the film’s cast. Although, there was no plan for a scene featuring the two comedic icons, Shabab Kairanvi insisted on creating one. Munawwar, demanded a hat, a briefcase and some papers and the two, having an instinctive understanding of each other’s comedic timing and style, delivered a flawless performance in just one take, without any rehearsal. The improvised scene humorously highlighted Rangeela’s distinctive oversized features, his eccentric demands for fighters in action films, and a hilariously exaggerated altercation regarding his would-be father-in-law.
Rangeela and Zarif in Parde me Rehnay do (Let it remain behind the curtain).
The DOP, who was supposed to call "CUT," instead doubled over with laughter, forgetting his job. Such was the magic of Rangeela and Munawwar Zarif, the comedic titans of the 1960s and 70s. Born years apart in entirely different worlds, they were Capricorns: Munawwar, born on December 25, 1940, in Gujranwala, and Rangeela (born Saeed Khan), was born on January 1, 1937 in Parachinar, KP. While Rangeela entered the industry as an outsider, Munawwar was the younger brother of Zarif, one of the most famous comedians of his time.
Rangeela's debut came in M. J. Rana's Jatti (Strong Girl) (1958), where he was cast in a scene alongside comedian Nazar, although his performance irked Nazar, it caught the director's eye, and earned praise from Zarif, the legendary comedian, known for his versatility.
Rangeela and Zarif in Meri Muhabbat Teri Havalay (My love is entrusted to you).
With the shift in comedic styles, Rangeela introduced his own brand of humor: absurd jokes, unrefined charm and a distinctive comic persona. Be it his Main ne Hong Kong ke Nalko ka Paani Piya hai (I have drunk water from the taps of Hong Kong), Mochay, Aankhain Neechay (mochay, eyes down) or Games Bond Zero Zero Neechay ek Aur Zero (Games Bond zero zero down, one more zero), he was a perfect sidekick to the lead actor, but soon he was to become part of a famous lead ‘duo’.
Rangeela and Zarif in Beimaan
With the death of Zarif in 1960, Munawwar Zarif, his younger brother, was asked to fill Zarif's shoes. He impressed audiences with his exceptional talent, as extempore dialogue delivery was his asset. Munawwar became a popular sidekick in films, but his association with director Shabab Kairanvi went the farthest. By the late 60s, his presence in films became indispensable, ensuring laughter and success wherever he appeared, be it Urdu film or Punjabi. Senior Journalist Sarfaraz Farid Nihash terms that no Punjabi film was complete without Rangeela or Munawwar Zareef. 'Both of them first appeared in Shabab Kairanvi's Neelam (1963), but were later picked for comedy roles in Punjabi films made by established directors like M Akram, Waheed Dar and Haider Chaudhary. They, along with new directors, were taking either one of them or both in their Punjabi films, as their names attracted the cinegoer, recalls Sarfaraz, who has written hundreds of articles on Pakistani films in various publications.
Rangeela expanded his reach, becoming a director and producer of hit films like Dia aur Toofan (Light and a Storm) (1969), Rangeela (Colorful) (1970), Dil aur Dunya (Heart and the World) (1971) and Do Rangeelay (Two Lively Ones) (1972). His most iconic role was that of a donkey turned human in Syed Kamal's Insaan aur Gadha (1973).
Rangeela's Dil aur Duniya
It was Shabab Kairanvi, who recognized their potential and cast them as heroes, understanding the magic of their dynamic interaction. Kairanvi was facing challenges with his romantic tragedies that were failing to attract audiences in the early 70s. The pairing of Rangeela and Munawwar Zarif proved to be a change. The team at Shabab Studios acquired films featuring Charlie Chaplin, the Three Stooges and Jerry Lewis, studying their techniques and paving the way for comedians to take center stage as lead actors. This cultural shift birthed a new era in Pakistani cinema, where humor-driven stories became a staple. The success of Parde Mein Rehnay Do, bolstered Kairanvi’s confidence, leading to further hits like Rangeela aur Munawwar Zarif and Sacha Jhoota (The True Liar). In Manjhi Kithay Dhawan (Where should I put the Bed), directed by Qavi Khan, this innovative approach continued with Rangeela portraying a young character and Munawwar taking on the role of an eccentric old baba.
Rangeela and Zarif in Sacha Jhoota
Rangeela’s solo career faced a critical juncture during the 1970s, particularly after films like Kubra Aashiq (The Great Lover) (1974), where his attempt to channel Anthony Quinn’s iconic portrayal of Quasimodo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1956) fell flat with audiences. Munawwar Zarif, on the other hand, thrived both as a supporting actor and as a leading man. Between 1971 and 1974, he shared an immensely popular on-screen partnership with Waheed Murad, delivering memorable performances in films like Khamosh Nigahein (Silent Eyes), Baharo Phool Barsao (Shower Flowers in the Spring), Mastana Mahi (The Mad Lover), Mastani Mehbooba (The Crazy Beloved) and Nannha Farishta (The Little Angel). His ability to command the screen without a co-hero solidified his status as a standalone star. Munawwar enjoyed a golden streak with hits like Banarsi Thug (The Thug from Banaras) (1973), Jeera Blade (Cumin Blade) (1973), Naukar Wohti Da (The Servant of the Woman's House) (1973), Namak Haram (The Ungrateful) (1974) and Shida Pistol (Shida's Pistol) (1975). Paired with leading actresses such as Aasiya, Nisho, Mumtaz and Babra Sharif, he became one of the most sought-after comedians of his time.
Success went to Munawwar's head and off-field activities led to failing health. Like his brother, he died young and was only 36 when one fine day, in April 1976, he left for the heavenly abode. Rangeela had to prove himself now and then, with the emergence of comedians like Abid Kashmiri, Ismail Tara and Umer Sharif. Out of them, Umar Sharif was the true heir to Zareef’s brand of comedy and he openly accepted that. Rangeela gelled with Umar Sharif, whenever they worked together, reminiscing the times he had spent with Munawar Zarif.
Rangeela and Zarif in Manjhi Kithay Dhaawan
Rangeela’s last famous role was in actor/singer Sajjad Ali's Ek Aur Love Story (Another Love Story) (1999), where he was doing what he always did, scattering smiles. Veteran Actor Behroz Sabzwari recalled the man who was Rangeela, 'We had excellent memories with Saeed Bhai as I managed to spend a lot of time with him, especially during the shoot in Abbottabad for Ek Aur Love Story (Another Love Story) . He used to call me Qabacha, even a decade after playing the role in Tanhayain (Loneliness or Solitude) . He was a jolly fellow who was multi-talented, and you name it, he had done it. Acting, singing, music, direction and writing. We do not have people like him around,' recalled famous comedian turned character actor Behroz Sabzwari, himself a legend.
It is true that we need people like Rangeela and Munawwar Zareef, now more than ever, sadly, they don’t make people like that anymore!
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