Comedy scenes in India have evolved. A variety of content is being made on a number of platforms. In films too there used to be comedians and actors who were good at comedy and roles used to be written for them. The names include the likes of Jagdeep, Mehmood, Johnny Walker and Laxmikant Berde, but with the passage of time, heroes replaced the comedians as they started doing comedy themselves. The biggest example is Akshay Kumar. Comedian and host Navin Prabhakar speaks on the changing trend.
“Akshay Kumar is, in fact, a brilliant comedian, possessing an immense and profound understanding of comedy. It's no surprise that he has dominated the comedy scene in his comic movies compared to others. Personally, I hold Akshay Kumar in higher regard as a comedy hero than anyone else. He delivers a complete portrayal of his comedic roles, earning love and appreciation from both movie enthusiasts and the audience..jab tak sabko pasand aata hai tab tak aapko usse pasand ka khayal definitely rakhna chahiye.. that's what I feel,” he says.
Comedy is a serious business. “This a fact has been proven time and again by our country's leaders, and the people are witnessing it. Jokes apart, maintaining a profound sensibility for sensible comedy is crucial. When it comes to nonsensical comedy, there's no need to invest thought or effort in crafting social or entertaining subjects. Simply choose crude topics, throw in a few offensive remarks, and the audience will applaud you after purchasing their 1000 rupee tickets. This is a common scenario at various laughter clubs in metropolitan areas, where they believe that this bold and carefree style defines stand-up comedy. Of course, there are a handful of intelligent comedians as well, and I genuinely appreciate them,” he adds.
Navin’s act Pehchan Kaun made him a star overnight. “I had been doing stand-up for the past 10 years before the telecast of "Pehchan Kaun”. But, after "Pehchan Kaun", I decided to try my hand in Bollywood given the fame and recognition I got and did 20 films so far, but things weren't aligning with my original vision. Thankfully, I didn't abandon my stage and stand-up performances. This was how I maintained a consistent income source. While I achieved success in films, as you're aware, surviving in Mumbai requires a secondary source of income. That's how, after 15 years, I find myself back in the show business. I'm grateful that my live shows are receiving fantastic responses in theatres and tickets are often sold-out. People are truly enjoying my new acts. Finally, things are falling into place according to our vision,” he says.
Ask if he plans to change his onscreen image and okay to take up negative characters in films and the actor replies, “As I mentioned earlier, an actor should approach their projects as a performer. Let people decide whether you are a good actor, a comedian, or a serious actor. Be fully present in the moment, immerse yourself in the role, give it your all, and then leave it to the viewers. That's all there is to it and just focus on being an actor.”
Talking about his learning so far, he shares, “It would be to simply do all the good things and spread happiness around you. With no regrets, worship your work and don't distinguish your work let people decide what they like, be focused on your work and enjoy it.”
So what’s the future of comedy in showbiz according to you? “Comedy is the soul of every subject of any movie. Without it is impossible to put a film in an entertainment zone. Comedy is the life of cinema, it's long lasting and never ending,” he says.
