Atul Khatri’s got talent

The stand-up comedian on why jokes choose him

Atul Khatri Photo: Special Arrangement

Four years ago, Atul Khatri gave up his job as the CEO of a family-run computer business, to tell jokes. Today, he’s a known name in the comedy circuit, but says that he’s still finding his voice. This weekend, he takes the stage in Chennai to give us a taste of his brand of comedy. Excerpts from an email interview.

Why stand-up comedy?

Mid-life crisis. Also, to attempt to buy solitaire diamond earrings for my wife in this lifetime.

So, have you found comedy lucrative?

I have had to sell my wife’s ears — forget buying her earrings. But creatively, it’s been most lucrative and I’m having a lot of fun.

What’s the worst thing about your job?

The myth that comedians get women easily because they find funny men sexy. Unfortunately, all the girls who come up to me after a show and tell me I’m funny also call me “uncle”.

Do you choose your jokes or do your jokes choose you?

Situations in life choose me, and the life experiences that come out of them force me to choose my jokes.

What should never be joked about?

Something you are not convinced about — don’t joke just for the heck of it; you have to commit to your joke.

If someone tears up from laughing too much, do you feel bad for making them cry?

I only feel bad for not charging them more. After all, they paid to laugh and they got to cry too…

What do you do when you aren’t being funny?

Regular things that a husband does: the usual such as pressing wife’s feet, washing clothes, taking mother-in-law shopping…

What are you most looking forward to during your performance?

I love Chennai and Chettinad food. So, we will have a ‘spicy’ show and then ‘spicy’ food after.

What happens when three comics — one who is married (Sorabh Pant), one who is married, with kids (Atul Khatri), and another who is unmarried and never looking to have kids (Angad Singh) — talk about relationships? A fund-raiser show, organised by the Madras Mylapore Ladies Circle 4, at Hyatt Regency on March 26 (8 p.m.), holds the answers. Passes are available at Rs. 5,000 per head (Rs. 4,000 for those who call today) or Rs. 8,000 for a couple, inclusive of dinner and select imported beverages. Proceeds go to charity. For details, call 98848 74000 .