Dino Shafeek was born Gholam D. Shafeek in Dacca, Bengal Province, British Raj in a reputed family from Old Dacca. His father was Golam Merajuddin Ahmed, whose occupation was listed as "sugar technologist". After leaving school, he attended Dacca University and graduated with a BA.
It Ain't Half Hot Mum was a BBC comedy series written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, the creators of Dad's Army. Set in World War IIBritish India, it follows the fortunes and activities of a concert party troop attached to the Royal Artillery. The series was produced by the BBC and broadcast from 1974 to 1981 and starred Windsor Davies as the staff sergeant-major of the troop's barracks in Deolali, Bombay Presidency. Shafeek plays "Chaiwallah Muhammad", selling tea from his ever-ready urn with his catchphrase "chai garam chai." He also sings the musical interludes between the scenes, which are mostly popular World War II era hits accompanied by a sitar. At the end of the final credits he starts to sing "Land of Hope and Glory" only to be interrupted by the Sergeant-major shouting his ubiquitous ear-shattering "SHUTUPPP!!!." Muhammad was later promoted to bearer when the actor who played Rangi Ram died after Series 5 was recorded. The caustic though affectionate relationship between Muhammad and his superior Rangi Ram provides additional comedy through their representations of the different religions and castes in colonial India.
''Mind Your Language''
During the run of It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Shafeek played the part of student Ali Nadim in the ITV/London Weekend Television sitcom Mind Your Language. Along with Barry Evans as their teacher, Ali was one of a group of people from diverse backgrounds in an English as a Foreign Language class at a London night-school. Ali was a Muslim Pakistani who had emigrated to the United Kingdom, and was frequently seen bickering with Ranjeet Singh, a Sikh from India. Ali told Ranjeet he will "kick up the Khyber". As the series progresses, their relationship mellows into one of friendly and mutual supportiveness.
Other roles
Due to the worldwide syndication of the aforementioned sitcoms, Shafeek became a well-known character actor to both British and international audiences. He played character parts in films and TV such as Carry On Emmannuelle, Minder and The Onedin Line. His last role was in High Road to China starring Tom Selleck.
Death
Dino Shafeek died suddenly from a heart attack whilst at home in London with his fiancée Leslie Didcock on 10 March 1984, eleven days before his 54th birthday.
