Pakistan’s ‘Charlie Chaplin’ uses comedy to lift spirits during Covid-19 pandemic

With a black bowler, walking cane, fake moustache and a little eyeliner, 28-year-old Pakistani Usman Khan dons the familiar costume of Charlie Chaplin’s “The Tramp” character. He strolls the streets of Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar in character, dodging traffic or even interrupting a ping-pong match at a gym. By mimicking the British comedian (1889-1977) who rose to fame in an era of silent films a century ago, Khan hopes to bring a bit of cheer during dreary times as the nation struggles with the coronavirus pandemic.