Pakistan's Charlie Chaplin aims to raise a smile in bleak times

In just two months, he has gained more than 800,000 followers on TikTok

Published: February 01, 2021 15:48 Reuters and compiled by Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor

1 of 11

In the bustling northern Pakistani city of Peshawar a man in bowtie, bowler hat and carrying a cane flamboyantly weaves through busy traffic, narrowly avoiding rickshaws, motorcycles and buses in a scene reminiscent of a 1920s silent film. Image Credit: REUTERS

2 of 11

Usman Khan, 28, used to sell children's toys from a roadside stand but during the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed himself into Charlie Chaplin, a century after the silent comedian was propelled to global fame with his slapstick antics. Image Credit: REUTERS

3 of 11

"When the coronavirus was around, a lot of people were in real stress, some people gave up on life," says Khan. Image Credit: REUTERS

4 of 11

"I was watching Charlie's videos and thought, 'Let me act like Charlie.'" Khan dons the familiar costume of Chaplin's "The Tramp" character, with fake moustache and a little eyeliner. He takes to the streets, often accompanied by friends filming him, hoping to bring a bit of cheer in dreary times. Image Credit: REUTERS

5 of 11

This Chaplin visits a gym to interrupt a ping-pong match, attempting to hit the ball with his cane, and draws ire from shopkeepers as he upends their wares, coming close to landing himself in trouble, as his namesake often did in his films. But he also draws the laughter of children who gather round him after he poses on stairs in a local neighbourhood. Image Credit: REUTERS

6 of 11

"Making people smile with silent comedy, winning people's hearts with silent comedy is a difficult task," Khan said. Image Credit: REUTERS

7 of 11

In just two months, he has gained more than 800,000 followers on the social media platform TikTok - people, he says, from around the globe who find his comedy a welcome respite from the pandemic and its lockdowns and social-distancing. Image Credit: REUTERS

8 of 11

Khan hopes film and television producers will notice him as well - and says if he ever became wealthy he would share his earnings with the poor. Image Credit: REUTERS

9 of 11

The act is also a brief escape for Khan, who - like the real-life Chaplin before he shot to fame in Hollywood - comes from an impoverished family. Hawking toys does not bring in enough to cover daily expenses, he says. Image Credit: REUTERS

10 of 11

"When I leave my home, I shut the door on my own problems and look to bring happiness to others." Image Credit: REUTERS

11 of 11

Usman Khan performs along the street in Peshawar. Image Credit: REUTERS

Photos News

Pakistan's Charlie Chaplin aims to raise a smile in bleak times

More From Photos

Hajj-related ‘Road to Mecca’ expanded in Pakistan

In pictures: Rain, thundershowers across the UAE

Photos: Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival kicks off

Send money smarter: Remit in May, save on remittances!

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Pakistan's Charlie Chaplin aims to raise a smile in bleak times

More From Photos

Hajj-related ‘Road to Mecca’ expanded in Pakistan

In pictures: Rain, thundershowers across the UAE

Photos: Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival kicks off

Send money smarter: Remit in May, save on remittances!

GULFNEWS SECTIONS