Praveen Kumar is a 33-year-old Bangalore based stand-up comedian. During his BITS-Pilani days, he discovered and enjoyed performing mime. After college, he felt the need to work in stand-up comedy, and in January 2014, quit his corporate job to take it up full time.
More than his regular salary, he misses his company as a source of material now.
Excerpts from an email interview:
You're a full-time stand-up comedian. What's so funny about you?
My funniest assets are my receding hairline and protruding tummy. In 2011, I was rated one of the top 10 stand-up comics in India and luckily for me there was no survey after that.
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate yourself on how funny you are.
On stage — 10, Off Stage — 7, according to my daughter — 15.
Is it still stand-up comedy if you make jokes sitting down?
Yes, provided the audience get up and give you a standing ovation.
What do you do if you get tired of talking during a performance?
I don’t get tired of talking. I am like Arnab Goswami. My wife will vouch for this.
What's the worst thing about stand-up comedy?
Performing at corporate shows where they announce you on stage and open the bar at the same time. All of a sudden, you only see the chairs, and may be the chairman.
Apart from cracking jokes, what else do you do to make people laugh?
I could try removing my shirt.
Praveen Kumar will be in Chennai to perform ‘The Tickled Mind’ on August 31, at 8 p.m. in Bay 146, Hotel Savera. For details: 9941150885
