The capital is gearing up for the first ever festival in India dedicated solely to making you laugh. The Annual Indian Comedy Festival has been conceptualised by the Twenty Onwards Media, and will feature movie screenings, stand-up comedy acts, plays and the famous Golden Kela Awards 2012.
You can count on a good laugh when comic geniuses like Papa CJ, Surendra Sharma and Sanjay Rajoura take the stage. The play “Ghalib in New Delhi” also seems to be promisingly hilarious. The Golden Kela Awards, an Indian reboot of the popular Razzies or the Golden Raspberries Award, is a valuable addition to the festival turning the traditional award ceremonies on their head and choosing to recognise and honour the worst of Bollywood.
Also making an appearance as the festival's special guest is filmmaker Kanti Shah, known for his B-grade blockbusters like “Gunda”, “Loha” and “Duplicate Sholay”.
Organiser Jatin Varma says, “When I was in school, my teachers kept telling me ‘no funny business'. I think at a subconscious level it stuck with me so I decided to get into the funny business with India's first ever Comedy Fest that tries to put together all aspects of Indian comedy. Our main line-up is ticketed but we will also have an outdoor stage area featuring free acts.”
The ticketed events include film screenings of cult hits “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron” and “Andaz Apna Apna”, stand-up comedy acts, “Ghalib in New Delhi”and Haasya Kavi Sammelan. A hunt for the best stand-up comedy act is also scheduled, which gives the audience a chance to tickle the funny bone. There is also going to be an open mic where you can showcase your musical acts, amateur stand-up comedy, juggling, puppetry and much more. The festival also features India's Funniest Video Competition.
Bottomline: The festival tries to put together all aspects of Indian comedy.
The Annual India Comedy Festival, From March 31 to April 1, 11.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.FICCI, Mandi House , New Delhi
