Mumtaz Begum, a traditional, mythical fox-human creature played by a man impersonating a woman, has been entertaining visitors to Karachi Zoo for decades.
Full Story:
Karachi Zoo is a popular getaway for the residents of Pakistan’s commercial capital.
Thousands of families have been flocking to the zoo for decades and for a few generations of zoo-goers, Mumtaz Begum, has been a top attraction.
Alongside the enclosures for elephants and deer, there is an ornate pavilion for Mumtaz, a “mythical half-fox, half-woman creature“ which talks to visitors.
The creature is played by a man who dresses as a woman who looks like she is attached to the body of a fox.
Murad Ali, 33, is the man behind Mumtaz, and plays her character for 12 hours every day.
“The people, who visit here, go away happy. And knowing that they feel happy makes me happy too. There is a bond of love between me and them. Life is very short; it should be spent spreading smiles,“ he said.
The father of two inherited the role from his father who died 16 years ago.
In addition to witty conversation, Mumtaz is also known as a fortune-teller. Students come to her with questions about their examination results, while concerned mothers consult Mumtaz about their daughters’ prospects for marriage.
“I feel very good. I had a nice talk with her. I am really happy. I’m happy I came here,“ said sixth grade student, Mohammad Osama, after meeting Mumtaz.
For older people, Mumtaz takes them back to memories of their own from childhood encounters with the creature.
“I saw it during my childhood about 40 or 45 years ago. Mumtaz Mahal had arrived in Clifton (in a circus). Today I have come here along with my grand children. I really enjoyed it. It is good and has improved. I liked it more than in the past,“ said labourer, Mohammad Ismail, smilingly.
The director of the zoo, Mohammad Fahim Khan says Mumtaz became a permanent exhibit after a few people from a circus offered to set up the attraction in the zoo 40 years ago.
Mumtaz has always been played by men because they are able to respond better to those who harass Mumtaz, says Khan.
Khan said those who go under the veil and become Mumtaz are chosen for their talents -- how many local languages they can speak and how well they can act.
“Women and children especially are keenly interested in this character. They come here; they watch her and talk to her. This is an art. He is like an actor who plays this role and entertains the people,“ Khan said.
A ticket to see Mumtaz costs just Rs10 ( U.S dollar) but the show still manages to turn a profit, pay Murad as well as a couple of helpers.
For more news and videos visit ☛
Follow us on Twitter ☛
Add us on Facebook ☛
1 view
347
104
2 months ago 00:00:58 1
Pets & Their Humans: Heartwarming Bonds ❤️ #cute #shorts
3 months ago 00:02:55 1
Gustavo Santaolalla - Chasing a Rumor (from “The Last of Us Part II“) (Official Video)
4 months ago 00:02:12 1
Alien 1979 Xenomorph kills Brett Red Rain Deleted Scene Movie Clip - 4K UHD HDR Custom
4 months ago 00:11:17 1
50 Shocking Moments When Animals Were Electrocuted!
5 months ago 00:15:44 1
Ice Melting In Arctic Awakes The 1 Billion Years Old Creature Who Wants To Destroy The Humanity
5 months ago 00:05:59 1
LIGHT ELVES (Ljósálfar) - Original Song - Harp Twins
6 months ago 00:07:49 1
Learning About The Kumiho: Korea’s Shape Shifting Fox
7 months ago 00:01:32 15
Tale of the Nine-Tailed - EP13 | In Bed Together | Korean Drama
8 months ago 00:01:45 1
Gustavo Santaolalla - Longing (from “The Last of Us Part II“) (Official Video)
9 months ago 01:06:43 1
Nexxus 604 - Magic Forest - Psychedelic trance mix • (4K AI animated music video)
9 months ago 00:46:56 1
“I was taken on board an ALIEN spacecraft and what they told me SHOCKED ME to my core” | Redacted
9 months ago 00:01:16 1
Fox-human creature entertains thousands at Karachi zoo in Pakistan
9 months ago 00:00:41 1
TALE OF THE NINE-TAILED - OFFICIAL TRAILER 1 | Korean Drama | Lee Dong Wook, Jo Bo Ah
9 months ago 00:01:41 1
TALE OF THE NINE-TAILED - OFFICIAL TRAILER 2 | Korean Drama | Lee Dong Wook, Jo Bo Ah
10 months ago 00:02:10 1
28 Days Later (4/5) Movie CLIP - Blood From a Bird (2002) HD
10 months ago 00:01:36 13
The Easy Tricks to Unlock this Area in Langqui Maps! Honkai Impact 3
10 months ago 00:00:46 1
The Fox’s Gratitude 🥺❤️
11 months ago 00:02:42 1
AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004) - A New Predator (5/5) Scene | Movieclips
11 months ago 00:02:37 1
S rank Senadina PV! Might you think Honkai is a whole Different Game Now!
12 months ago 00:31:08 1
Sci-Fi Short Film: “The Shipment“ | DUST
1 year ago 00:01:53 1
Garuda Fu Hua Demo Gameplay Honkai Impact 3rd v7.2