If there is one thing stand-up comics are used to, it is people taking offence. Atul Khatri, Azeem Banatwalla, and Anirban Dasgupta unanimously agree. “We don’t write comedy to offend anyone. However, offence has become a national pastime,” says Atul, who is among India’s top comedians.
Azeem, who has performed in India and across the world, says people taking offence is a daily affair on social media. “I get reactions from a lot of people who are paid to shut you down and do their job. And others who have certain beliefs.” According to Anirban, his best performance is in his comedy special, Take It Easy, on Amazon Prime Video. “I was happy with how it came together. I addressed things I always wanted to talk about such as people taking offence. Jokes are jokes... take it easy.”
The trio will perform as part of Ruckus Night 3.0, a charity event hosted by Sightsavers India.
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How do they handle sensitive issues? Azeem, whose act will include politics apart from other topics such as living alone, says: “It is easy enough when you layer a joke well. I get people to think about issues. I don’t see it as a problem, really. In most cases we haven’t had issues.”
Atul, who will be performing a new set, says it takes skill to crack a political joke. “You need to convey it in a smart way, and that makes your writing more interesting.” Anirban says his act will include a bunch of topics. “But the two major things I will talk about are the role of MBA graduates in the corporate world and stories about my friends, some of whom are getting married and some who are getting divorced.”
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As for their performance styles and material, each of them offer something unique. Say Anirban: “I do mostly stories. I narrate stories from my life. Also, my material comes from everywhere. I note down my thoughts either on paper or on the phone and then develop it later.” His style is effortless sans theatrics. “That is what I am most comfortable doing on stage. I take my offstage persona on stage.”
Azeem says: “My material comes from a variety of things, but I am more of an observational comic.” Atul says he is constantly thinking and writing. “You can create 30 minutes of comedy just by opening the newspaper.” However, Atul’s humour appeals to all age groups. “From 12 to 60,” he says. “When I write jokes about my children, the joke is viewed in two different ways.”
About audiences in Bengaluru, Anirban says: “I look forward to performing in Bengaluru. The people there have a lot of energy because of the young age group there.” However, Atul and Azeem are Mumbai loyalists, and both say Bengaluru is the second best city to perform in. “The city has a young crowd and a great culture.” Azeem adds, “Bengaluru audiences have spoiled us, they understand and are interested in a range of issues.” As the trio gear up to perform on August 10 (from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm) at Good Shepherd Auditorium, Residency Road, Atul concludes: “I put in a lot of preparation as people are choosing stand-up comedy over other forms of entertainment.” Tickets are available on bookmyshow.com.