One laugh at a time

With over 2,000 shows in more than 20 countries, Papa CJ has made a mark for himself in the laughter circuit. The first Indian comedian to perform at prestigious comedy festivals, it is no wonder that he has earned the epithet of  being ‘the global face of Indian standup’.

In the city to perform for the ‘The Papa CJ Happiness Project’, in aid of Parinaam Foundation, where he performs for free to raise money for charitable causes, the artiste spoke to Rajitha Menon about life on and off the stage.

Management consultant to standup comedian— that’s quite a shift...
I got tired of selling my soul to the devil one powerpoint presentation at a time. I figured I would rather be a shark in a suit on a stage than a slave wearing a tie in an office.

How was the experiencing of  performing to sold out shows abroad?
It doesn’t matter where in the world you perform or how big or small a venue it is, for a comedian it is always a joy to perform to a full room. In fact, I personally prefer an audience size of about 150 as that is large enough yet intimate enough for you to have a lot of fun with.

What is your real name?
If I told you, I would have to kill you (laughs). But if you watch my show ‘Naked’, I reveal this secret in my show. By the way, the show’s name is ‘Naked’. Please don’t come for my gig with your family jewels on display.

Where do you draw inspiration for your material?
Almost entirely from personal life experience — what I observe, experience, feel, read and witness. And especially from occasions from when life gives me a hard kick.

Any memorable experiences...
At one of my shows at a hospital in Singapore, there was a man who’s son had been in a car accident. The boy was paralysed waist downwards, had been in a coma for 25 days and they did not know if he would wake up again. But for the 45 minutes that this man was with me, he laughed. You could see the pain in his eyes but he had laughter on his face.

Your thoughts at that time?
That was a moment that made me realise that it gives me a lot of joy to be able to uplift people. I believe that celebrity is a currency and what matters is how you choose to spend it.

Something you always find funny?
When you’re trying to put some food in your mouth with a spoon, fork or chopsticks and as you’re about to put it in your mouth it falls.

Something you don’t find funny at all?
I don’t mind teasing or embarrassing my audiences when I interact with them but I am very careful to never be hurtful. I don’t like it when I see inexperienced comedians insult audience members without any humour or care because they think that is what they are supposed to do.

Has the Indian standup scene changed over the years?
The Indian standup scene is exploding. It is wonderful to see young performers drawing huge audiences and also inspiring others to join the profession.

The most challenging part about standup comedy?
Working alone.