Mani Liaqat

Mani Liaqat is a British-Asian comedian and entertainer from the United Kingdom, currently based in Manchester. Born in Pakistan, his family relocated to the UK at an unspecified time. During his school years, he demonstrated leadership qualities, serving as both sports captain and house captain, and participated in activities such as cricket and table tennis. Following his schooling, Mani Liaqat held various odd jobs, including working in takeaways and factories, before pursuing formal training with diplomas in acting. This foundation in acting appears to have influenced his later comedic endeavors.

Liaqat’s comedy career began in 2006 with an appearance in the British-Pakistani television show 'Sard Aag', which he also appeared in again in 2006 as part of HUM TV's 'SARD AGG'. He gained wider recognition after winning 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge UK' in 2010. His comedic style is characterized by bizarre rants, a witty voice, and a unique blend of Punjabi/Urdu/Hindi and British everyday humor. He has built a reputation for incorporating these elements into his performances, which have taken him nationally and internationally. He has also appeared in film roles, including playing a police officer in 'Pusher' (2010) alongside Mahima Choudhory, and acting in the Urdu short film ‘Alone’ (2013). He is fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi, which contributes to his diverse comedic range.

Throughout his career, Mani Liaqat has continued to expand his reach. He has appeared in television series such as 'Citizen Khan' (2012), 'Muslims Like Us' (2017), and 'First Dates' (2022), and featured in the BAFTA award-winning BBC Two programme 'Muslim Like Us'. He organized comedy tours including 'Comedy Takeaway' and 'Oh Twadi', and hosted events such as Miss Bollywood UK (2009 and 2020) alongside notable figures like Shah Rukh Khan, and the IPPA Award in 2017 with a Bollywood artist. In January 2018, he launched Pioneer Sports, a sportswear label. He has received numerous accolades, including being awarded as the UK’s funniest Asian comedian, receiving a Pakistan Press Club award for his contribution to entertainment, and being named the most fashionable celebrity of the year in 2017. Most recently, in 2024, he won the Best Comedian Award at the Pakistani Music and Media Awards and participated in the Pakistani reality TV show ‘Tamasha Season 3’. He also played a London taxi driver in the web series ‘United Kacche’ (2023).