According to him, the comedy scene in India is still in the nascent stage and there is a need of more players who are willing to break the mould and more audiences for comed to play for. In a chat with life, the chartered accountant-turned-comedian speaks about the show, his idea behind the show, comedy scene in India and more.
Q) How did you land up with "Done"?
"Done" was created at a time when I was going through (another) mid-life crisis! I guess once you near the age of 40, you start asking deeper questions. So, I combined those inquiries with my experiences in life and created a show that fuses silliness with depth!
Q) What are your expectations with the show?
I'm hoping audiences realise that comed have more dimensions than just being the clown of the group. We also question things that bother us and find the humour in unexpected things. I also hope people will notice that comedy doesn't have to be loud and noisy - it can be subtle and low-energy as well!
Q) How do you connect with the role?
The stand-up special is a compilation of my own experiences, events, thoughts and feelings. Also, I've written it! So, I suppose I connect very well with the role!
Q) What opportunities do you think digital world opens for artistes?
Digital is the future! Entertainment on demand has already snuck into our lives. It gives audiences direct access to the artiste, which is great for both parties. But it also means that it will be harder for new artistes to break through the clutter.
Q) How do you see the comedy scene in India?
Comedy in India is a ten-year-old child right now. We need more venues, more producers, more managers who know what they're doing. We also need more comed who are willing to break the mould and more audiences for comed to play for. It's a small sub-culture that has the potential to be a huge industry. We just need more players.
Q) Do you think comed in India are given their due respect?
Yes. I think Indian audiences are generally patient and enthusiastic. And the comed who make an impact are given their share of respect.
Q) Do you think there is enough space for comed when it comes to the mainstream media?
Yes, there's plenty of space. Though, stand up as an art is neither fully understood nor accepted. It will take time for the full impact of it to take place. Though I do think that language plays a big part in this. We are a diverse nation with many languages, and local nuances can rarely be translated.
Q) What is the biggest lesson you have learnt in life?
Know yourself so well that no one else's opinion matters.
Q) Have you faced any criticism for your work?
Not really. Like I said, audiences are mostly supportive. You have the odd troll here and there, but that's normal. I've been quite blessed with love and support.
Q) What's the biggest challenge of being in this industry?
Right now, the biggest challenge is to stand out and be unique. There's a lot of content out there and it's hard to be noticed. So, being different is as important as being funny! We also need a larger inflow of funds via sponsorships and branding. Right now, it's not quite financially viable to have a career as a comedian.
(Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@.in)
( With inputs from IANS )