These days when television is going through a low phase, there’s only one show Hasb-e-Haal that’s truly entertaining people. It does not resort to exaggerated caricatures, pointless jokes , or cheap dances to attract people. It only relies on intelligent humor which is relevant to the present times as well.
It beats all soapy dramas and talk shows against other programs for the novelty of its concept. People mostly watch it as it gives them a break from the dry talk shows and depressing unrealistic dramas.
The guy who takes the cake for the best mimicry, wit and freshness of performance is Sohail Ahmed aka Azizi. Although many peope are doing imitations these days but nobody can match him. He’s not just an actor but a genius of his field. His vocab is so amazing that he has introduced words that many had never heard (kachichiyan, dhak makore to name a few LOL). How many comedians can do that!
One of its highlights is the ‘Mukhbirnama’. Azizi comes up with startling revelations so no wonder his mukhbiris are quite popular.
All in all it’s a great show.Originality and novelty make it a class apart from the rest. Congratulations to the Hasb-e-Haal team!
Sohail Ahmed is indeed brilliant. I used to avoid this show religiously thinking it would have the same kind of (non-existent and completely unfunny) humor as Dr. Younis Butt's rubbish on Geo TV. but once I watched one episode of Hasb-e-haal, I was absolutely hooked. though I'm sure most of the topics and serious content come from Aftab Iqbal, Sohail Ahmed is undoubtedly the life of the show. some of his impersonations (Naveed Qamar, etc) are insanely hilarious. even when watching supposedly funny stuff, you rarely laugh out loud... you might smile or think to yourself that the line was funny. but Sohail Ahmed regularly comes up lines that just force you to crack up.
this makes me wonder why most of Sohail Ahmed's recent work (excluding Hasb-e-haal) has been so mediocre. he is clearly an exceptional artist. he is not just a comedian. he is a fine dramatic actor as well. but some of his recent sitcoms (there was one with the great Qavi sahib no less) were pretty awful... he is redeeming himself with Hasb-e-haal though.
Hasb-e-haal is indeed one of a kind show. in terms of comedy, I think only 4 Man Show is on the same plane though the type of comedy and maybe even the target audience are completely different.
the only point I will disagree with is that I think the talk shows in general are doing a good job. yes, there are some awful shows out there (Meray Mutabiq with daaktar Zahid Mossad being a prime example) and some very politically/monetarily motivated yet completely unqualified and incompetent anchors (daaktar Zahid Mossad of Meray Mutabiq being a prime example). but as a whole, they're doing a good job. nothing escapes Pakistan's media. everything is debated - yes sometimes beaten to death and then some. but as an average citizen, I'm very grateful to them and the positive role they have especially played in the past few years. outstanding journalists/anchors like Talat Hussain, Naseem Zehra, Hamid Mir ought to be treated like heroes. if anyone speaks for the average Pakistani, it is these ppl who speak for him/her.
so, I don't share your disappointing assessment of Pakistani talk shows. though yes, on the entertainment side, all you see is stuff ranging from mediocre to downright awful. but as a concerned Pakistani who was completely apolitical for most of his life and has gotten his political soojh boojh in the recent past, I would rather watch good political talk shows than good dramas. the former can change the destiny of Pakistan (the restoration of judiciary being a prime example) while the latter can only make you feel good for half an hour to an hour.
ps. another good post btw... please keep writing. I really enjoy reading your posts. you clearly have a sharp eye on Pakistani tv and you post insightful analysis which is always enjoyable to read... :)