Bakra Qiston Pay: Pakistani Singer and Artist Now Running Food Stall in Karachi

"No one from the industry supported me—even Umer Sharif didn’t," remarked 57-year-old Mehtab Ali, a theater artist and singer who has shifted his focus to running a food stall on Karachi’s streets as his sole source of income, claiming the industry abandoned him.

In a conversation with Dialogue Pakistan, Mehtab recounted his journey from starring in the popular comedy theater show Bakra Qiston Pay to eventually settling in the United States.

He shared how his theatrical appearance alongside Umer Sharif in an episode of the comedy show became a milestone in his career. The singer also mentioned working with other legendary artists, including Moin Akhtar and Alamgir.

"I recited one of his ghazals in front of Jagjit Singh, and he told me, 'I wish you were born in India; you would have been quite valuable to us,'" Mehtab recalled of his interaction with the Indian music icon.

Reflecting on the Pakistani entertainment industry, Mehtab expressed his disappointment and criticism. "We no longer have family shows; what’s left for audiences now is only vulgarity," he lamented.

Watch our exclusive interview with Mehtab Ali on our YouTube channel.