by Farid Behbud
KABUL, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- In a country like Afghanistan that routinely witnesses insurgency, fierce explosions and suicide bombings, the ability to make people smile, as Afghanistan's "Charlie Chaplin" does, is a commendable initiative.
Afghanistan's "Charlie Chaplin," whose real name is Karim Asir, is determined to provide reasons for his countrymen to ignore the pains and grievances of war and make them laugh.
Wearing a black bowler hat, baggy pants and oversized shoes and acting silently, Asir, 25, usually appears performing in public events.
During his childhood, after fleeing the Taliban rule in 1996, he enthusiastically watched the old classic performances of Charlie Chaplin on Iranian TV. He decided he wanted to perform like him when he was older and make people smile, the "Afghan Chaplin" told Xinhua recently.
"It was inspiring for me when my university teacher said I was walking like Charlie Chaplin, when I was a student in the theater department of the Fine Arts Faculty of Kabul University," said Asir who is now being trained by Assistant Professor Abdul Haq Haqju, director of Parwana Institute, of Parwana Cultural and Artistic Theater Organization, an independent association.
After returning home, despite his parent's apprehension, he wanted to recreate Charlie Chaplin's characters to give his war-affected people a chance to smile and to send a positive message to Afghans.
"My reason is clear, since the security situation is at its worst, I want to give my people a chance to forget the problems of war and insecurity, and my gift to them is the chance to smile while I impersonate Charlie Chaplin," said Asir.
Asir has amassed around 1,000 live and video-clip performances in public sites, such as parks, schools, orphanages, private parties and at charity events.
Speaking of China, Asir said he has never been there, but hoped to one day visit and hold performances there as Afghanistan's Charlie Chaplin.
"China is a country of colors and has a variety of cultures. My favorite color is red, which is common in China. I also love and am inspired by The Great Wall of China. China and Afghanistan also share some cultural commonalities," said Asir.
Charlie Chaplin's performances can be seen in silent, black-and-white video-clips. Asir follows the same methodology as he wants to maintain the integrity of the art, and hence refuses to use color.
One of his sweetest memories was the end of his performances four years ago, in the Badam Bagh of Kabul, where more than 2,000 visitors attended a great annual agricultural exhibition, Asir recalled.
"I was nearly trampled on by my fans who rushed towards me to take selfies," he said.
