Video: “Comedy has become very difficult in Pakistan,” says Tabish Hashmi

Tabish Hashmi is unarguably one of the few comedians of Pakistan who has great comic timing and an amazing sense of humour. He is the host of the famous YouTube show TBH with Tabish Hashmi which has a huge fan following.

He is witty and gives fans a chance to know their beloved celebrities in an unconventional setting. While he proves to be an entertaining host on the show, he has proven to be just as hilarious a guest on Something Haute.

In an interview with Aamna Haider Isani, Tabish talked about LSA and PISA, a PIA flight from Toronto, and his first experience of leading a Jamaat on Friday for two people from the fashion industry.

Tabish Hashmi and Aamna Haider Isani

People expect comedians to be funny all the time. However, Tabish shares that it’s not possible.

He shared that wherever comedians go, it feels like people only invite them with the expectations to automatically be funny. “Also, everyone around you becomes a comedian and expects you to laugh even when they aren’t funny.” He also revealed that when he feels that there is pressure involved, he ends up being quieter instead.

While many people have started studying stand up comedy, Tabish feels it comes naturally to him. “I have no professional training but when I talk to my fellow stand up comedians, they point out techniques from the books.”

Tabish gave a personal tip to those wanting to pursue it professionally. “Stand up comedy is such that the more honest you are, the more people find you funny.”

“My father, my entire family, they all have a knack for cracking jokes,” he revealed adding that he has always had the freedom to express and ask questions. “In our family, we are even allowed to follow our preferred schools of thought when it comes to religion (which is rare).”

Given the freedom to think and express, Tabish grew up to be the open-minded individual that he is. However, he avoids social commentary. “Comedy has become very difficult in Pakistan,” he confessed explaining that people get offended easily. “We cannot talk about the establishment and we cannot talk about religion or those representing religion.”

The host of the famous YouTube show TBH with Tabish Hashmi also admitted that not all celebrities are comfortable to be on his show.

Watch the interview here: