Making the world laugh
Stand-up comedy
Bangaloreans have always loved their comedy shows, but so far, not many have forayed into the avenue of stand-up comedy.
It is keeping this in mind that Bulchee has introduced ‘Commedia Dell’ Arte’, or ‘comedy of craft’, a series of rib-tickling stand-up acts to be performed in the City.
‘Commedia Dell’Arte’, which is traditionally a form of masked Italian theatre, comprises four upcoming and talented comedians who promise to keep the audience entertained with their witticisms.
Vrinda Mohta, Marketing Advisor at Bulchee, explains that the concept behind these shows was to evoke the inner intellect of their viewers. “Newer formats of comedy are emerging every day. We are introducing the stand-up comedy format for a younger India, and we want to popularise it and bring plenty of established and fresh talent to the forefront,” she says.
Ajit Saldanna, the CEO of Eventually International Entertainment, agrees that comedy has been a huge passion for many in the City. “We wanted to put Bangalore on the comedy map,” he says, going on to introduce the three comedians who will be a part of the show. Sanjay Manaktala, one of these comedians, has been performing stand-up acts outside greater Los Angeles since college.
He has also performed several gigs at the ‘Mumbai Comedy Store’, a comedy club in Mumbai, this year, and has recently relocated to Bangalore. Sanjay brings a fresh perspective to the show. His genre can loosely be termed ‘observational comedy’ as he narrates his experiences as a newly-returned NRI who battles everyday life in the IT sector (his day job).
Anuvab Pai, a playwright, screenplay writer and novelist of ‘The President is Coming’ is also a part of the show. He was the first Indian born playwright to join the Dramatists Guild of America. Better known as the co-writer of ‘Loins of Punjab Presents’, Anuvab adds to ‘Commedia Dell’Arte’ with the perspective of a bewildered forty something who is trying to keep pace with the lifestyle of modern India. Kai Humphries, a comedian and compere, who was a 2009 finalist on the competition ‘So You Think You’re Funny?’, is the third component of the show.
Originally from Newcastle, UK and known for his intimate and friendly delivery to the audience, he provides an international aspect to ‘Commedia Dell’Arte’. Kai believes that the reason his jokes are received so well is because he conducts his act simply like a group of friends spending a night out and laughing around. .
