Find your funny side

The thrills and spills of laughter will reverberate at the UB City Mall this weekend. Leading stand-up comedians from across the country will entertain Bengalureans on the occasion of ‘Bengaluru Comedy Festival’. More than 50 artistes will perform across three stages, churn out refreshing plots and tickle the funny bone of Bengalureans.

The event is organised and curated by ‘Comedy Wagon’, an event management company and a comedy production house, and is the first-of-its-kind. Founder Sumendra Singh is positive about the festival’s response and says that it is an opportunity to bring comedians from different pars of the country under one roof.

He adds, “We have met various comedians throughout our journey who immediately agreed to come forward when we told them about the festival. There is a challenge of funds as it’s the first time an event like this is being organised but I’m sure that the show will go well. The variety of interesting interactions, art installations and tunes that will be spun by Martin D’Souza are some of the highlights.”

He is excited about the festival as the industry has received tremendous support over the years. He adds, “The best part about this festival is that one can come with their friends and family.”

The festival will see a variety of artistes — be it Biswa Kalyan Rath’s stoic, straight-faced humour, Daniel Fernandes’s tactful yet subtle jokes about social issues, PunchTantraa’s poetic play, Richa and Sumukhi’s cheeky sketches and City-based comic Sundeep Rao’s flamboyant craft. “I am not planning to strip since this is the first festival. I may do that in the next one,” jokes Sundeep.

Mumbai-based comedian and programmer of the show, Daniel, is looking forward to come to the City again. “Bengaluru is one of my favourite cities. Apart from the weather and greenery, I love the ‘chicken dosa’ too. I also have a unique connection with the City as I decided that I would become a professional stand-up comic, after attending the ‘Metallica’ concert in Bengaluru. There are many young stand-up comedians in Bengaluru who have proved their calibre.”

Artistes Richa and Arjun are looking forward to meeting many young and established comedians and are thrilled by the variety of sets; be it sketch, stand-up, improv or mime.

Daniel says, “Comedy is growing at an extremely fast-pace and someday, this growth will stabilise. Now, the industry caters to a very urban, up-market, young crowd who grow along with us.” But there is a darker shade to this trend as well, as Sundeep explains that with the ease of venues, opportunities and internet, there is a dilution of talent. He adds, “Comedy has gained a lot of exposure over the years. My advice to up-and-coming comedians is to be honest and original about their material. Only then, they will be able to own their craft and shape their performance.”

Artistes of this close-knit, warm circuit will be seen performing on October 10 and 11, 4 pm onwards at UB City. For details, visit www.comedywagon.com