Who makes Kapil Sharma funny?

Mumbai: How funny are our funny men? Are our TV comedians actually as funny with their comebacks in real life? The answer is, not always. The credit usually goes to the writers who ensure that shows like Comedy Nights with Kapil rule the roost.

Meet Raaj Shaandilyaa, the person responsible for the punch lines that have made Kapil Sharma famous. Asked how it feels with Kapil stealing all his thunder, Raaj says, “I believe I am a person who is supposed to work behind the scenes. I am happy that my thoughts are liked by people. Earlier, singers were only behind the scenes but now they come up with their own albums. I am sure something like this will come up for writers too.

Talking about the buzz that the show will go off air, Raaj says, “The decision is pending. We are completing our current schedule. But one thing is certain — if we go on a break, we will be back with a bang.”

So how does the creative process start? Raaj says, “There is a team of writers that writes the script after discussing the concept. Later it comes to me and I try to improve it by adding punch lines, making it more accurate. A rehearsal is done by the writers for all the characters to see if it evokes laughter. Only then does it go to Kapil and others. Kapil makes 2-5 per cent changes and adds his tadka to the gags.”

Many of Sumona’s (Kapil’s wife on the show) comments are thought to be derogatory, but Raaj says, “We just try to portray the nok-jhok that is commonly seen between a husband and wife. There is love, so there are clashes between the two.”