Actors are always associated with the characters they became famous for. Arnold Schwarzenegger is still the Terminator for all those who still cannot pronounce his name. Amjad Khan remains Gabbar Singh (Sholay, 1975) and Manoj Bajpai is still Bhiku Mhatre (Satya, 1998) to many, while Vivek Oberoi is Chandu (Company, 2002).

Similarly, in Pakistan’s television industry, the almost six-and-a-half-feet tall model-actor Adil Wadia became known as Chhotu after he appeared in the early episodes of Fifty Fifty. Even after four decades, he is still referred to by that name. Likewise, Behroze Subzwari continues to be identified as Qabacha from PTV’s Tanhaiyaan (1985).

With the death of the veteran actor Abid Kashmiri on October 11, at the age of 74, people have lost their beloved Gullu Badshah — the carefree rickshaw driver from the PTV drama Samandar (1982). Dressed in his iconic cap, muffler and waistcoat, Gullu Badshah left an indelible mark on television audiences. His famous catchphrase “Kis ko keh rahay ho!” [Who do you think you’re talking to!], soon became a part of everyday conversation in Pakistan.

Abid Kashmiri was born in Lahore’s Wassanpura neighbourhood around the time of Partition. His early love for cinema blossomed during his college years at Dyal Singh College on Mall Road, where he would sneak out to watch Indian films, especially those of Raj Kapoor, as well as Pakistani films featuring actor Syed Kamal. This passion for film laid the foundation for his eventual career in acting. Abid stepped into the world of theatre in 1970, finding a second home at the Alhamra Arts Council.

Veteran film and TV actor Abid Kashmiri, who passed away on October 11 at the age of 74, was blessed with the extraordinary ability to authentically embody typical Lahori characters

By the 1980s, as the Urdu film industry experienced a decline and Bollywood movies entered Pakistani households via VCRs, PTV dramas became the go-to source of evening household entertainment. Iconic serials from PTV’s Karachi and Lahore centres gained massive popularity, not just in Pakistan but also the Middle East and even India, where Urdu-speaking audiences were captivated by these dramas.

Veteran playwright Asghar Nadeem Syed reminisces about Abid Kashmiri’s rise to stardom: “It was the early days of television drama, and Amjad Islam Amjad, the late writer and poet, had introduced the use of signature catchphrases on TV, following the success of Waaris [1979].

“It had worked in films, where viewers would leave the cinema quoting memorable lines, but using it on television was a gamble. Yet, it worked brilliantly and Abid Kashmiri became the perfect muse for Amjad. His catchphrases, whether ‘Kis ko keh rahay ho’ in Samandar [1982] or ‘Khair ho aap ki’ [God keep you safe] in Raat [1987], resonated deeply with audiences.”

Asghar Nadeem Asghar himself created catchphrases for Kashmiri such as “Main aadmi hoon zara vakhray type ka” [I’m a different kind of man] and “Kabhi aana zara khushboo laga ke” [Why don’t you drop in sometime].

“Abid had an extraordinary ability to embody typical Lahori characters. Whether portraying a rickshaw driver, coachman or even a milkman, he immersed himself in his roles, capturing the essence of everyday Lahoris with remarkable authenticity. He was a naturally gifted actor, popular with the masses, and I had the pleasure of working with him in regional plays. He always elevated the character beyond what was written on paper,” he adds.

Abid Kashmiri was a disciple of veteran radio and TV actor Irfan Khoosat, and was influenced by the legendary comedian Munawwar Zarif. After making a mark on television, he transitioned to films, becoming a favourite of renowned director Javed Fazil.

He appeared in movies such as Naraaz (1985), Hisaab (1986), Faisla (1986) and Bazaar-i-Husn (1988), mostly playing sidekick roles alongside the legendary Nadeem. His performance in Bazaar-i-Husn won him the Nigar Award for best comedian, his only such accolade.

Whenever there was a need for a chaudhry [feudal lord], a pehelwan [professional wrestler or local thug], a kochwaan [coachman] or a property dealer from androon [inner city] Lahore, Abid Kashmiri was the answer to the casting call.

He even played the role of a djinn in 1995, a Robin Williams’ kind of genie from Disney’s Aladdin, in the film Ainak Wala Jinn (1995) — not to be confused with the famous TV serial for kids. He was paired with Reema in the double-version Muhallay Daar, a year earlier. His versatility allowed him to transition seamlessly between TV and film, solidifying his place in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

Veteran actor and director Waseem Abbas fondly remembers Abid Kashmiri thus: “No one in the entertainment fraternity could ever dislike Abid — he was a gem of a person with a big heart. We shared a close friendship, spanning over 40 years, and performed together in hundreds of shows at Alhamra.

“The Alhamra Arts Council was like a second home for us, as we stayed together from 3pm till midnight every day, rehearsing for shows. Even when he became a prominent figure, his humility remained unchanged. Unfortunately, the evolving theatre scene, with its scripts full of double-meaning dialogues and taunts, did not suit Abid’s style. He had a brilliant sense of humour and could have thrived in modern comedy shows.”

Another famous catchphrase from Abid Kashmiri, “Kaun loag ho tussi?” [Who are you people?] further solidified his status as a versatile and beloved actor. However, as modern productions began to shift away from his artistic values, Abid distanced himself from contemporary work.

He moved to the US to live with his children, though he often returned to Pakistan. He passed away during his recent visit, leaving behind a rich legacy spanning both theatre and television.

In Love in London (1987), directed by S. Suleman, Abid Kashmiri played Manna Pehelwan, dancing alongside comedy legends Rangeela (as Tillu Khan) and Ismail Tara. In one scene, during the song ‘Allah Meherbaan’, Ismail Tara’s character teases Manna about money, to which Abid, as Manna, responds with his famous line: “Kis ko keh rahay ho!” — a nostalgic nod to his Samandar character.

Rangeela’s taunt follows, as Manna is trying to woo two Englishwomen, saying that that everyone knows that his (Manna’s) father is a rickshaw driver, further paying tribute to the person who remained Gullu Baadshah for life.

At the height of his career, Abid Kashmiri’s name appeared before legends such as Rangeela and Ismail Tara in the film credits, a testament to his enormous popularity. His ability to capture the hearts of audiences through his unique style and memorable characters ensures that his legacy will never be forgotten.

Published in Dawn, ICON, October 20th, 2024