“Eat ice cream,” says comic Sumukhi Suresh to people with stand-up ambitions. The funnywoman is visiting Dubai as part of the Laugh-a-thon 2.0 troupe along with Kenny Sebastian — they both perform on April 14 — and she’s ready to make the UAE giggle, chortle and guffaw.
Suresh, who has made a healthy career out of being hilarious, has played many roles — from stalker to a maid — on screen, and has earned plaudits for her Amazon Prime web series, Pushpavalli. But she is now ready to make Laugh-a-thon history; she is the first woman to perform under the banner.
Suresh, whose live acts are known to weave politics, feminism and observational humour, spoke to Gulf News tabloid! ahead of her show at Ductac about why she loves comedy and what makes her toes tingle.
What can Dubai expect from your show?
What’s making you laugh these days? Some of your favourite comedians?
I am on a spree to watch anything and everything by Sarah Silverman. I am hoping she reads this and instantly knows that her and I need to be best friends forever.
Stand-up on stage or staged skit, which do you prefer?
Stand-up! Although a nice scripted sketch show also makes my toes tingle.
What’s the purpose of comedy according to you?
I am doing comedy to explore all the avenues it has to offer. I enjoy comedy because I get a chance to be happy about my job.
Why do you think it took so long for the Laugh-A-Thon series to get a female comic involved?
I am getting back on the stand-up cycle after my shows Pushpavalli and Beauty and the Feast. In fact, I am glad they have noticed my return and getting me to Dubai this soon.
You have played so many characters so far. Which one is your favourite and why?
Sumukhi Chawla from Better Life Foundation by Them Boxer Shorts. That character came at a time when I was getting stereotyped and being offered nosy auntie/grandmother roles. Not that I don’t like them, but I wanted to explore new characters as well!
How do you ease yourself in each role so smoothly? Is there a process you follow?
I think I am in the initial stages of playing characters and that’s why I am adding a version of myself to the characters and making it easier for me. As I do more roles, it will get tougher and I am very excited to work hard to get those right.
How has the comedy scene (both artists and audience) matured over the last one year?
Being a stand-up comedian is no longer one’s USP. We need to write better content to be ahead in the game. This is helping the comedy scene mature organically. Since the audience is privy to stand-up, thanks to the digital world, they are more accepting of newer voices and concepts!
What’s next for you?
I am working on Go Straight Take Left — Naveen Richard and my Sketch Show for Amazon, [which is] my stand-up special. Apart from this, I working on developing a few fiction shows.
Any advice for others hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Go for an open mic, get on stage, bomb, eat ice cream and repeat!
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Don’t miss it!
Sumukhi Suresh performs at Ductac, Mall of the Emirates on April 14. Tickets start at Dh150.
