Meet comedian Junaid Akram aka 'Khalli Karao'

If you’re a Pakistani and want to shake up your conscience, look up Junaid Akram.

Junaid Akram, a rising comedian has got the right dose of his advice for everyone in his videos.

Junaid, famous for his pet phrase ‘Khalli karao’, got famous on social media after he posted a series of his videos commenting on various social issues in his own peculiar way.

Junaid in his videos discusses issues the general public can relate to, and they make sense in the funniest way possible.

While speaking to Geo.tv Junaid Akram opened up about his comedy and gave his views on major social issues.

What inspired him to make comedy videos? Junaid Akram said that he has been doing stand-up comedy for quite a long time but last year he decided to take it seriously when he felt the need to connect with the audience.

We asked if he gets backlash from the public over his videos, he said, “Absolutely. I have faced both religious and political backlash as people in Pakistan easily get offended but I like to question things and thus I don’t believe in popular opinion.”

He adds, “In modern times it is easy to become popular on social media especially if you use elements of hyper-patriotism but I know what is right and what is wrong.”

While talking about his recent move of giving away free books which was also appreciated across the borders Junaid said, “I received an overwhelming response from public after I announced free giveaway of books. I personally believe that no matter if we make streets or bridges, but if we will not work on the mental education of people, we will not be able to prosper. Unfortunately, the government has not been paying any attention towards the betterment of education.”

Junaid seems hopeless about the government. “We are living in a Mughal era where our priorities are messed up. I’m a person with a limited budget who tried to play his part in spreading educational awareness and promoting reading. My intention was to set an example for those who want to show up with the same intention.”

“We talk a lot but people do not want to do anything. We are missing practicality and people do not want to contribute practically. Those who contribute give in face value [to celebrities] but not for the real cause.” Junaid added.

We asked Junaid about his pet phrase ‘Khalli karao’. “It’s an Arabic word which means ‘rafa dafa karo’. My videos are not scripted as I pour my heart out while making videos. In the beginning, I use this word for once which instantly got famous and now people are making T-shirts printed with the slogan ’Khalli karao'," he said.

To those of you don't know who Junaid is, here is a compilation of his best works. 

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