Tabish Hashmi, in his recent interview with FUCHSIA Magazine, talked about how he started his journey, how his father’s death affected him, why he said no to Moin Akhtar, and much more. Read on to find out more.
Tabish Hashmi is a well-known stand-up comedian and host of the well-known talk show, “To Be Honest” on Nashpati prime. His witty personality and great sense of humour is the reason why he is widely loved and appreciated by his fans. Tabish Hashmi currently lives in Milton, Ontario Canada.
1. How Tabish Started His Stand Up Journey
“I have a passion for performing”
Tabish Hashmi
He revealed in his interview that he used to mimic people in school and family functions and everyone would enjoy it. Moreover, he says that in school he used to enjoy being on stage, hence, he developed enough confidence to face the audience and not get overwhelmed by it. Later in university, he hosted a comedy competition and after completing his degree, he entered the stand-up comedy world. His first gig was with a troop named “Bhai Log.”
2. How He Overcame His Stutter
“I am very open about my weaknesses and vulnerabilities. I don’t mind what other people say about me.”
Tabish Hashmi
Tabish revealed that he used to be socially underconfident. His school would take up the majority of his day and by the time he would come back, he would have no energy left to do anything. Hence, he did not have a social life at that time. For Tabish, his school life was his comfort zone because all his friends, stage, and people in front of whom he would perform, were his school. Things didn’t change for him in his university life either. According to Tabish, he used to perform well in a new place because no one would know him there.
Furthermore, he stated that later in life he realized that the easiest thing to do is to own your weaknesses.
3. How His Father’s Death Affected Him
His father was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. Therefore he took a break from stand-up comedy.
“Living with a cancer patient is a challenge itself”
Tabish Hashmi
He had a very strong connection with his father. He was the first one to know when his father was diagnosed with cancer. Moreover, he said that he used to be very dependent on his father. To the extent that even at the age of 27, his father would write his cheques for him. He said that he was dependent on his father for the sake of his own protection.
Tabish went on to say that he was also very close to his father’s friends. He also mentioned that he calls his father ‘Abi’. Tabish told us that he also used to imitate his father’s voice but stopped after he passed away.
His father’s death affected him a lot, to the point that he would doubt himself and think that he had lost his sense of humor. However, after a lot of motivation and push from the people around him, he made a comeback in 2015.
4. Why He Said No To Moin Akhtar
Moin Akhtar had offered Tabish to have dinner with him and even gave him his number but, Tabish never visited him nor gave him a call. He told us that so many people went to meet him pretending to be Tabish. Everyone wondered why he didn’t accept the legend’s offer. He revealed that he thinks Moin Akhter is like a dense tree of blessing, hence, it is very difficult to grow under it. You’ll always be a mini Moin Akhtar, but never Moin Akhtar.
5. How He Met His Wife
“It wasn’t a typical love marriage.”
Tabish Hashmi
His father-in-law used to idealize his father when they were in India. Both of them met again in Karachi and recognised each other. At that time Tabish had already sent his mother to see six or seven girls. However, when he went to his wife’s house, she came to greet them, and when he looked at her, it was love at first sight! He then sent a proposal for her.
6. What Inspires Him About Umar Sharif
“The thing about Umar Sharif that inspired me is his soldier-like attitude. He’ll shoot regardless of who’s standing in front of him. And I do the same.”
Tabish Hashmi
He says there’s no comedian in Karachi who isn’t influenced by Umar Sharif.
7. Why He Wears Funky Socks
Tabish loves wearing funky socks since the time he was in university. He also has socks that have flags of different countries and truck art on them. People gift him funky socks to this day!
