Fida over Smriti

Fida over Smriti

Rauf Lala, one of the Pakistani finalists of Star One's The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Dwitya is fida over soapstar Smriti Z Iraani. He not only likes her Tulsi avatar in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi but also her persona.

"I have already informed the Star One folks that topmost on my wish list is a meeting with Smriti," says the Karachi-based Lala. "I don't know what I will tell her when I meet her, but I wish I can spend some time with her."

Purana aashique

He has been a regular viewer of the Balaji soap, "I have been watching it since the Ansh Gujral (Akaashdeep Sehgal) days.

Most Pakistani families are hooked to Indian soaps and even when the channel is not available, we catch up on DVDs. Nowadays, the Pakistani women see these soaps more than their husbands and children," he remarks.

Though he was a casual viewer of Kyunki, he got hooked on to the drama after seeing an episode that had Smriti crying and complaining to her mother-in-law Savita (Apara Mehta).

"The scene had her tell Savita that she has done everything possible for the Virani family and she has got nothing in return. It was an extremely touching moment."

Finals and family

Lala is busy preparing for the finals of the Laughter Challenge this Friday. He is among the three Pakistani finalists of the contest that includes the duo of Irfan Malik and Ali Hasan.

"We have been rehearsing and shooting. So there has been no time to move around the city. I have a sister in Mumbai but with the shoots and auditions happening at Film City I'm yet to catch up with her."

This is Lala's first visit to Mumbai and he says, "I have been completely bowled over by the hospitality. The warmth here is amazing. The coordination at the Karachi end was done by a local production house, Eveready Pictures, who put us on for the contest."

Biwi no 1

Lala's family comprises his wife and four kids,"shareef aadmi hoon is liye ek biwi hai." Besides doing comedy and stand-ups, Lala has been performing along with Omar Sharif, Pakistan's comedy king. Lala is a writer as well as actor. "I have been part of the television and film industry for over two decades," he says.

He is optimistic about winning the crown and meeting Smriti as well. "My dream will come true if both happen," he says.