A Candid Conversation with Pakistan's Master of Mimicry — Waheed Lala

There are very few artists in Pakistan's entertainment industry who can transform into another person so convincingly that audiences forget they're watching a performance. Waheed Lala is one of them. Known for his razor-sharp mimicry and infectious humour, he has carved out a unique space for himself in Pakistani showbiz. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with him at the City News Network office — and it turned out to be one of the most entertaining and insightful meetings I've had.

A Warm Welcome at City News Network

The meeting was held at the City News Network office, and adding to the excitement was the presence of the show's co-host, Mohammed Ali Khan — a name that needs no introduction in the world of Pakistani hosting. Mohammed Ali Khan is, without doubt, one of the finest hosts in the industry, and what truly sets him apart is his warmth as a human being. His humility and grace were evident throughout our time together, making the entire experience feel less like a media interaction and more like catching up with old friends.

The Bushra Ansari Controversy — Waheed Lala Speaks with Grace

One of the most talked-about topics we touched upon was the recent controversy surrounding Waheed Lala's mimicry of the legendary Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari. The iconic actress had expressed her displeasure at being impersonated, and her criticism had made waves across the entertainment circles.

When I brought this up, I was genuinely curious how Waheed Lala would respond. What I witnessed was a masterclass in humility and professionalism.

Rather than being defensive, Waheed Lala spoke with complete grace. He made it clear that Bushra Ansari is a senior and deeply respected figure in the industry, someone he holds in the highest regard. He emphasized that his intent was never to offend or hurt anyone — mimicry, for him, is a craft, a way of entertaining people and bringing smiles to their faces. He was simply doing his job.
His measured and respectful response spoke volumes about his character. In an industry where controversies often spiral into public spats, Waheed Lala chose dignity — and that, perhaps, is the mark of a true artist.

Bathak Gardi and His Favourite Character

We also delved into his popular show Bathak Gardi, which has been a fan favourite for its comedy and mimicry-driven content. I asked him about his favourite character he has performed on the show, and his eyes lit up as he shared the details — the kind of enthusiasm that only comes when an artist truly loves what they do.
His passion for his craft was palpable, and it was clear that Bathak Gardi holds a very special place in his heart, both as a platform and as a creative outlet.

The Highlight — Our Batman vs Superman Skit!

Now, here's where things got absolutely delightful.

In a completely spontaneous and hilarious moment, Waheed Lala transformed into none other than the iconic TV personality Dr. Shahid Masood — but with a twist nobody saw coming. He played Dr. Shahid Masood dressed in a Batman costume, while I stepped up as Superman, playing the role of the interviewer.

What followed was pure comedy gold. The skit blended the serious, dramatic tone often associated with Dr. Shahid Masood with the absurdity of a superhero setting — and the result was nothing short of brilliant. It was spontaneous, creative, and a testament to Waheed Lala's incredible ability to find humour in every moment.

This was easily the highlight of the entire meeting — one of those rare, unscripted moments that you simply can't plan for.

Final Thoughts

Meeting Waheed Lala was a reminder of why mimicry is such a powerful art form. It takes not just talent, but deep observation, timing, and an understanding of human nature. And beyond the talent, what struck me most was the man himself — humble, gracious, and deeply passionate about making people laugh.
Combined with the wonderful company of Mohammed Ali Khan, the City News Network visit turned out to be a truly memorable experience — full of laughter, candid conversation, and one very unforgettable superhero skit.

Want to watch the full interaction, including the Batman vs Superman skit? Head over to our YouTube channel — Zohaib Butt Vlogs — and experience it all for yourself!