Move over Russell Peters, we’ve got some new Indians on the comedy block. Stand-up stars Abish Mathew, Kanan Gill, Biswa Kalyan Rath, Jeeveshu Ahluwalia and Abijit Ganguly will be in Dubai on September 18 to bring their own brand of laughs to Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, for Desi Laughs-The Best of Indian Standup Comedy.
Mathew is no stranger to Dubai as he performed here in January along with the notorious AIB. Known for his solo show Son of Abish, Mathew has made his mark in the Indian comedy scene with his improv skills and lively shows that include songs and, of course, stand-up.
Gill found fame not only with stand-up, but with his YouTube series with Kalyan Rath, Pretentious Movie Reviews, where the duo dissect campy Bollywood films with their trademark humour and wit, all while trying to keep a straight face.
Mathew and Gill spoke to tabloid! about their humble beginnings in the industry and how it’s not taboo to be a comedian in India anymore.
When did you first realise you wanted to be a comedian?
Mathew: I was always the annoying kid of the family. I don’t know when that transformed to funny. I guess I was the ugly duckling of the family!
Gill: I used to play music with my band and make funny songs, and pick on people from the stage. At that point, someone told me I should do stand-up, and I just realised that I could. It was a couple of years before I started, but the germ of the idea, I think, came in there.
What was your first gig like and how did you feel getting up on stage?
Mathew: The first time I went on stage to do stand-up was when I had broken my hand and had 30 of my friends and family to watch me try some jokes at a dingy rooftop in Delhi. I was a nervous wreck, and had written some really terrible jokes. I went on and performed, I loved it. Them? Not so sure. But I loved it.
Gill: I came to an open mic, on my way home from my software job. I came and sputtered some ideas on stage … I think I got only a couple of chuckles. But it felt so great, I knew that this was something I wanted to do for longer.
How do most Indians react when you tell them you do comedy routines for a living?
Mathew: Surprisingly, all of them now identify with comedy as a legit career. But till today I get: ‘Comedian? Oh! You know Kapil Sharma?’
Gill: Well aunties and uncles always think we’re living in a dingy closet with nine people and begging for scraps, but slowly I think they’re beginning to understand. Most Indians just care if you make money. If you convince them that you make a little money, they’re more than happy.
Mathew, you’ve performed in the US and in the UAE. Is there a difference between an Indian audience and a US/UAE one? Do you tell different jokes or have a different delivery?
Mathew: UAE is full of Indians and Pakistanis. It is exactly like a home away from home.
What would your advice be to newbie Indian comedians?
Mathew: Keep doing open mics and keep failing, and trying out new things. Soon you’ll be better than the last time you were on stage.
Gill: Work hard, be humble, subscribe.
What do you think has been your biggest achievement so far as a comedian and what is your big dream for the future?
Mathew: Biggest achievement is a subjective term. I tend to look at things in a more, ‘What’s next’ way. More than basking in the glory of what you did, look at what you want to do and what you are doing.
Gill: The idea is not to be satisfied, I think. I have huge dreams, but don’t want to jinx it. You guys understand.
The Details:
What: Desi Laughs-The Best of Indian Standup Comedy
Where: Ductac, Mall of the Emirates
When: Friday, September 18
Tickets are priced Dh150, Dh200 and Dh300, and are available on platinumlist.net.
