Tribute to a Passionate Spirit that Defied Anonymity
By Raphic Burdo
Kafeel Bhai, the legendary cricket enthusiast and truck artist from Ghotki, has passed away. He was famous for his claimed ability to bowl with both arms, sometimes fast, other times medium fast and even slow spin, and his vibrant truck art that showcased his creativity and passion
A posthumous tribute for Kafeel Bhai is overdue. It was due long ago when cricket academies and art schools failed his passionate soul. A tribute to Kafeel Bhai is important because when we admire him, we also celebrate his passion for cricket that warms hearts of millions in Pakistan and beyond. We accord standing ovation to the perseverance of this otherwise very ordinary, very humble and very anonymous person, because he despite rejections and disappointment he did not quit and continued to make his mark. With him we also praise his truck art, his calligraphy and graffiti which brought smiles to millions of faces. With his paint brush and his eternal love for the game of cricket, Kafeel Bhai shared happiness through his art on trucks.
Our left arm, right arm, spinner and fast bowler, Kafeel Bhai was from small town Ghotki in Sindh, Pakistan, but at one time became a national phenomenon. It is because of the effort of persons with his passion that Truck art from Pakistan is now globally celebrated as beautiful artistic gift to the world from the culturally rich diverse South Asian nation that is home to Indus Valley civilization and colorful ajrak motifs. Thanks to Kafeel Bhai and to the known and unknown arts, Pakistani truck art has now extended from trucks to adorn household things, clothes and even foot-ware with its bright eye-catching colors and patterns.
For us the life story of Kafeel Bhai is a fascinating. Reportedly, he was born in 1958. He had talent and inextinguishable passion for cricket. He had dream of playing for the national cricket team of Pakistan but geniuses at Pakistan Cricket Board had different plans. Having failed to achieve his dream to play for Pakistan, this passionate man expressed his talent through other means. Instead of making his mark with cricket bat and ball, due to rejection from cricket authorities, Kafeel Bhai wielded paint brush like a willow and hit boundaries in field of graffiti, truck art and calligraphy all around the national highways and byways of Pakistan. Soon, he became a celebrated figure in Pakistan’s truck art, film poster art, and calligraphy and graffiti scene at locally as well as nationally. Besides his cricket calligraphy, and caricatures, his paintings of Lady Diana, Noor Jehan, and other icons, adorned trucks all over the country and introduced him to everyone who could read trucks .
We remember Kafeel Bhai today, not only because his art was a reflection of his creativity but more so because it is a speaking testament to his dogged perseverance. Despite meeting rejection and no glory in his cricketing career, he did not let his enthusiasm for the gentlemen’s game wither away. He continued to pursue his passion for cricket through his art and eventually gained recognition for his unique talent with canvas, paint brush and colors.
We remember and celebrate the un-ordinary life of an ordinary person like Kafeel Bhai to affirm our belief in ultimate outcomes of passion, perseverance and artistic talents. Kafeel Bhai became a legend and left an indelible mark on the world through sheer labor of love. This is the greatest lesson for all those dreaming big.
Kafeel Bhai’s journey was a testament to the power of dedication and creativity. It is proof enough to show that hailing from the small town or village anywhere in Pakistan should not be reason to live anonymously.
Kafeel Bhai’s life shows the way how after meeting rejection in cricket he did not sit quiet and continued his journey towards excellence and thus discovered another talent, his art. His vibrant truck art, intricate calligraphy, and bold graffiti brought joy to countless people. Who can forget the iconic “Left Arm Right Arm” slogan that adorned trucks across the country? Kafeel Bhai’s art was more than just decorative. It was a reflection of his boundless enthusiasm and energy.
Kafeel Bhai’s truck art transcended borders, earning international recognition and acclaim. His work not only showcased Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage but also demonstrated the transformative power of art. From trucks to household items, clothes, and even footwear, Kafeel Bhai’s artistic legacy continues to inspire and delight people worldwide.
Through his art, Kafeel Bhai shared happiness, spread love, and connected with people from all walks of life. His perseverance in the face of rejection and disappointment serves as a powerful reminder that our passions and talents can help us overcome even the most daunting challenges.
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary individual, we take comfort in knowing that Kafeel Bhai’s art, spirit, and legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience, creativity, and kindness.
Kafeel Bhai will be deeply missed by those who enjoyed his work on the trucks and by those who admired his art and his spirit. Rest in peace, Kafeel Bhai. Your art, passion, and generosity of spirit will never be forgotten.
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Raphic Burdo is a poet and writer, hailing from a remote village of Sindh province of Pakistan
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