Humour with a dose of reality

The third edition of ‘Open Up’, presented by ‘Punch Tantraa’ in association with ‘Funny Side Up’, was held at Rangasthala at Rangoli Metro Art Centre recently. 

 

A number of talented stand-up comedians and artistes performed at the show like Kanan Gill and Praveen Kumar from Bangalore; Raj Shekhar from Hyderabad; Krishna from Chennai, who presented a gibberish mime act; and Sanjay Balsavar, who presented a clown comedy act.

 

Bangaloreans across all age groups were present for the event and enjoyed the jokes of the comedians.

 

While some took a jibe at women drivers, relationships and marriages, others tickled the funny bone of the audience with their jokes on Punjabis, old Bollywood movies and girlfriends.

The award-winning gibberish mime act of Krishna left the audience speechless. 

Krishna, who had come from Chennai, portrayed a very simple story in a profound manner. 

Laced with humour, the innovative concept won the hearts of the audience.

Sanjay Balsavar, who presented a clown comedy act, created awareness regarding the environment and urged the audience to do rain water harvesting and reuse things to avoid wastage.

 

A small but poignant act, he involved the audience and did some activities with them as well.

Comedian Raj Shekhar started his act with an entertaining activity. 

However, what stole the show was the final act by ‘Punch Tantraa’. 

The group, which mainly does radical mime, presented a mind-blowing act by paying a tribute to the idiot box.

 

Interspersed with nostalgia and comedy, the act was not only hilarious, but also brought to light how television is a vital part of many people’s childhood. 

The act also saw them taking a jibe at some popular TV commercials.

 

“I loved every bit of the show. All the acts were great. The best part about it was how they got the audience involved in it. Even the parts where they missed a line were made up brilliantly. It has been one of the best stand-up shows that I have attended. It was a great evening,” said Sushanth, a youngster.

Though the audience consisted mainly of youngsters, there were others who came by too. 

Aditya, a senior software engineer, said that the artistes took stand-up comedy to a different level. 

“They were not just funny. They were extremely intelligent and spontaneous and that showed on stage. All of them did a good job,” he noted.