Bengaluru is fast gaining a place in the minds of stand-up comedians as an entertainment hub. The verdict is out — the city does know how to laugh at itself and take a few jibes good-heartedly!
Some of the funniest men in the country are making a beeline to perform here in the coming weeks. Ask them why, and they say ‘Bengaluru is just too cool.’ Mumbai-based comedian Ashish Shakya says, “What stands out about Bengaluru is the audience is very well read. Be it local politics or international affairs, they know it all.” With the customary humour popping up he adds, “Anyway, it’s great to perform here as long as you wrap up by 11.30 pm!”
For most other artistes, the eclectic mix of people is a great canvas for humour. Right from Parsis to Malayalis and Bengalis, there is a whole gamut to choose from. Delhi-based comedian Rajneesh Kapoor says, “I don’t really consider Bengaluru as a Southern city. To see many North Indians and expatriates exudes a homely feeling. This makes it easier to conceptualise jokes that have a mass appeal. In comparison, Chennai seems like a whole other country to me.” Comedian Rohan Joshi who just performed in the city adds with a laugh, “Maybe it’s the beer. Definitely loosens everyone up! I get a great vibe from the people here — they seem intrinsically relaxed and easygoing. It makes my job easier.”
Delhi girl Neeti Palta, who performed here last week says, “What struck me is that the crowd caught on all the subtleties and colloquial references too! I was advised by someone not to rile the crowds about infrastructure and roads but what’s a comedian that doesn’t try? I joked about 80 ft road and 100 ft road and the crowd loved it. It was highly encouraging.” Rohan adds, “I did crack some jokes about the Karnataka Assembly. People took it very sportingly.”
Another reason that makes the city score over Southern counterparts is the multiplicity of venues. Be it a ubiquitous auditorium or a quaint coffee shop, the city is ready to lap up comedy nights. Rohan Joshi says, “The tickets to our show were sold out on the morning of the show! We saw people sitting on the aisles.”
