<p>Coming from a family steeped in the field of law, Subhashish Bharuka has made an unusual career choice. The standup comedian has had a flair for the stage since childhood and has recently started ‘Comedy Barrel’ which aims to contribute to the growing ecosystem of standup comedy in the country. <br /><br /> His first production, ‘WEDx — Where Husbands Dare’, is a hilarious take on marriage where five comedians speak about their experiences. Subhashish talks to Rajitha Menon about choosing comedy and the demands it makes.<br /><br />How did you get interested in the field? <br /><br />It was at the age of six that I fell in love with the stage. Once my mom made me a scarecrow outfit for a school fancy dress competition. She did a great job and all my classmates clapped and laughed loudly when I went on stage. I won the first prize that day and since then, I have wanted to be behind the mic to make people laugh.<br /><br />What were the initial few months like? <br /><br />I feel standup comedy is a very difficult job. Because joking around with friends <br />is different as compared to talking to an audience who does not know you at all. <br /><br />So is it better for you now?<br /><br />I started regularly going for open mics only recently and I am still in the early stages of grasping the art form. It can be a nerve-wracking but most satisfying experience.<br /><br />Was your family okay with your career choice?<br /><br />My wife has to listen to all my jokes; she’s my guinea pig. But she’s been very supportive. Not that she had much of a choice though (laughs). As for family, I come from a family of lawyers and for them it’s just a hobby, which is fair from their perspective.<br /><br />The first time the audience didn’t laugh at a joke... <br />There was a joke on which I laughed all day long. I went to an open mic the same evening thinking this is the best joke I’ve written. I recite it on stage and there’s pin drop silence as the audience waits for the punchline. For me it was a realization. Every time a joke doesn’t work, I want to go back on stage with a refined version and better content. <br /><br />What is the best place to look for new material for jokes?<br />Life, parents, marriage, malls, movie theaters, grocery stores, roads and so on. My personal favourite is observing people’s behaviour. <br /><br />Something that you never find funny? <br /><br />Jokes on poverty. I feel it is quite distasteful to make fun of people for whom life itself is luxury. But it is a personal choice I guess. <br /><br />If you could perform for someone, who will it be? <br /><br />My father. He’s an extremely humorous person in life and has a genuine funny bone. But he’s never seen me perform. I’d love to perform for him but only when I’ve reached a level in comedy.<br /><br />What does it require to be a standup comedian? <br />Relatable content, patience and persistence. It’s a long-drawn process, just like any other job. Acquiring stage skills, comedy timing, and establishing a connect with the audience takes a really long time. A strong presence of mind is also required. <br /></p>
<p>Coming from a family steeped in the field of law, Subhashish Bharuka has made an unusual career choice. The standup comedian has had a flair for the stage since childhood and has recently started ‘Comedy Barrel’ which aims to contribute to the growing ecosystem of standup comedy in the country. <br /><br /> His first production, ‘WEDx — Where Husbands Dare’, is a hilarious take on marriage where five comedians speak about their experiences. Subhashish talks to Rajitha Menon about choosing comedy and the demands it makes.<br /><br />How did you get interested in the field? <br /><br />It was at the age of six that I fell in love with the stage. Once my mom made me a scarecrow outfit for a school fancy dress competition. She did a great job and all my classmates clapped and laughed loudly when I went on stage. I won the first prize that day and since then, I have wanted to be behind the mic to make people laugh.<br /><br />What were the initial few months like? <br /><br />I feel standup comedy is a very difficult job. Because joking around with friends <br />is different as compared to talking to an audience who does not know you at all. <br /><br />So is it better for you now?<br /><br />I started regularly going for open mics only recently and I am still in the early stages of grasping the art form. It can be a nerve-wracking but most satisfying experience.<br /><br />Was your family okay with your career choice?<br /><br />My wife has to listen to all my jokes; she’s my guinea pig. But she’s been very supportive. Not that she had much of a choice though (laughs). As for family, I come from a family of lawyers and for them it’s just a hobby, which is fair from their perspective.<br /><br />The first time the audience didn’t laugh at a joke... <br />There was a joke on which I laughed all day long. I went to an open mic the same evening thinking this is the best joke I’ve written. I recite it on stage and there’s pin drop silence as the audience waits for the punchline. For me it was a realization. Every time a joke doesn’t work, I want to go back on stage with a refined version and better content. <br /><br />What is the best place to look for new material for jokes?<br />Life, parents, marriage, malls, movie theaters, grocery stores, roads and so on. My personal favourite is observing people’s behaviour. <br /><br />Something that you never find funny? <br /><br />Jokes on poverty. I feel it is quite distasteful to make fun of people for whom life itself is luxury. But it is a personal choice I guess. <br /><br />If you could perform for someone, who will it be? <br /><br />My father. He’s an extremely humorous person in life and has a genuine funny bone. But he’s never seen me perform. I’d love to perform for him but only when I’ve reached a level in comedy.<br /><br />What does it require to be a standup comedian? <br />Relatable content, patience and persistence. It’s a long-drawn process, just like any other job. Acquiring stage skills, comedy timing, and establishing a connect with the audience takes a really long time. A strong presence of mind is also required. <br /></p>
