There’s something about this city that seems to draw stand-up comediens here. Artistes from across the country are performing back-to-back shows in the coming days. This weekend, Breakout Comedy brings Comedy Crunches, with Rajesh Hinduja, Vamsidhar Bhogaraju and Rupen Paul, who take time off for a quick chat with MetroPlus. Excerpts
Vamsidhar Bhogaraju
“I always wanted to be in the entertainment industry, but had family responsibilities and so I took up a marketing job. Even then, I loved being on stage and hosted programmes in my company. My colleagues suggested I do stand up comedy.” It was at a show in Bengaluru in 2012, that he realised that it was something he could also do. “I signed up for a local stand-up comedy competition. There were 19 participants and I came in the top eight. I started getting shows after that.”
Vamsidhar’s jokes are based on his life and experiences. “I was born in Andhra Pradesh and was brought up in Bengaluru. I have jokes about people in these cities and my experiences at work. I steer clear of political jokes or subjects that I am not very sure of.” He says that the best thing about being a stand-up comedian is that it is a great leveller. “One day you may perform before 1000 people; the next day the audience may be only a few in number.” While it’s great to have many shows and exposure for stand up comedy, it has a flip side, he says. “As there are many players and free open mics, people are hesitant to buy tickets and watch a show.” Having performed in the city last year, he says, “People in Coimbatore have a great sense of humour. It is fun to perform before them.”
Rupen Paul
Growing up, Rupen was very shy, so only his close friends knew of his funny side. Though watching Omid Djalili on YouTube gave him a love for stand-up comedy, he was hesitant to enter the field. “It took me four years to muster up the courage.” A two-month break during his Masters in Computer Applications led him to enrol for eight open mic events. “The first time was not bad, but I knew I could do better. So I continued doing it till I was confident.”
Initially,he tested his jokes on friends and siblings. “Now I do it at open mics. Every time I say or think of something funny, I note it down in a book and later develop a script. I also think of the different problems that people face and come up with solutions that are both funny and impossible.”
To him, stand-up comedy is important as it allows a discussion on topics that people usually hesitate to talk about. “Talking about sex and mental health is normal in stand-up shows. It also helps people socialise in the real world and laugh their hearts out.” Speaking of performing in Coimbatore, Rupen says he will discuss different types of relationships and growing up in a strict family. “I can’t wait,” he says.
Rajesh Hinduja
“This will be my first event in Coimbatore,” says Rajesh who was 52 when he performed his first show. “It was at an open mic in Bengaluru and, to be honest, I was shivering. I had a five-minute act and managed to get a few laughs.” Rajesh says that one of his oldest jokes — on his ancient Lambretta scooter — is a big hit. Want to hear it? “One day I took my scooter to a mechanic. He checked it and told me that all the parts except the horn makes noise!” Rajesh runs a business of manufacturing office furniture.
- When: June 15; 7:00 pm
- Where: At 641, Bharathi Park Road, 7th Cross, Saibaba Colony
Now 61 years old, Rajesh claims that he is one of the oldest stand-up comedians in the country. His jokes are based on marriage and life in Bengaluru. “I observe everyone around me for ideas. Once I come up with a joke, I perform it at open mics. Only when I am confident will I use it for my shows.” He thinks that stand up comedy is important as laughter helps relieve stress, especially for youngsters.
