Sohail Ahmed vs Aftab Iqbal | Who Made Whom? Naseem Vicky
The Evolution of Pakistani Stage Comedy – Credit, Controversies, and the Future
In a recent interview, veteran comedian Naseem Vicky shared his honest take on the evolution of Pakistani comedy. He spoke about the rise of stars like Aftab Iqbal, Sohail Ahmed, and others who shaped modern stage and TV humor. His comments reveal both admiration and backstage tensions in the entertainment industry.
Who Deserves the Credit? Aftab Iqbal vs. Sohail Ahmed
The debate starts with a direct question: Did Aftab Iqbal make these comedians famous? Naseem Vicky disagrees. He believes most of these comedians were already stars before joining Aftab’s shows.
He highlights Sohail Ahmed, the face of Hasb-e-Haal, as a well-known artist with thousands of stage performances under his belt. According to Vicky, it was Sohail’s fame that drew attention, not Aftab’s presence.
“Sohail Ahmed was the star. People used to ask, ‘Who’s sitting next to Sohail?’—not the other way around.”
Vicky isn’t denying Aftab Iqbal’s role. He credits the show’s success to a strong team of experienced comedians. Aftab’s platform helped—but the talent was already there.
Aftab Iqbal’s Attitude: Respectful or Arrogant?
When asked about Aftab Iqbal’s behavior toward fellow artists, Naseem Vicky gave a balanced response. Some artists found Iqbal arrogant or dismissive. But Vicky’s own experience was different.
“I worked with him during the first month of Khatarnak. He treated me like a brother—with full respect.”
He admits that not everyone had a smooth working relationship. In showbiz, ego clashes and creative differences are common.
The Fall of Stage Theater
The conversation shifts to a critical issue: the decline of live stage drama. Even though TV brought fame and money, the theater suffered.
Key problems include:
- Falling audience numbers
- Weak scripts
- Poor ticket sales
- Overuse of music and dance over genuine comedy
“Now, tickets sell 50-50—partly for the story, partly for the comedians. But real profits? No one in Punjab is making money from back-to-back plays.
The Future of Stage Comedy
Looking ahead, Vicky stays hopeful but realistic. He points to a lack of good writers and committed actors as major obstacles.
“If we focus on strong content, the audience will come back. But we must give real performers a chance—without letting politics or egos get in the way.”
