Laughter is the best therapy, and everyone seems to be game for more — there’s no refuting the fact. In a refreshing trend of sorts, the spotlight is now on Indian stand-up artistes, with international stages welcoming fresh talent with open arms. Or so believes Sumendra Singh (Sam), festival director, Bangalore Comedy Festival. The Bengaluru-based comic-prenuer was recently shortlisted by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, to conduct a special India showcase for the first time ever in their 2017 edition. In a candid chat, he tells us more...
“We’ve been preparing for this for about two months. The comedians who’d be joining in will be Sapan Verma (EIC), Daniel Fernandes, Neeti Palta and Sumit Anand. We plan on making shows which strike an intelligent balance between chuckle-worthy humour and relatablity. Mindless stand-up gimmicks are passe. Good comedy needs research, and I aim to work on just that for the showcase. We’ve got immense support from the team at MICF, and I’ve been working hand in hand with them for the execution. My prime focus will be to build a network within the Indian community there and introduce them to the shows,” reveals the 28-year-old. While bagging the Indian showcase of the festival is something the team is stoked about, Sumendra asserts it’s being a constructively challenging journey. “We started Bengaluru Comedy Festival (BCF) in 2015, with a very young team. Now after just two editions, we have been invited to present a special Indian Showcase at MICF 2017. And they are introducing an Indian showcase for the first time ever, so this is a huge honour for all of us. It’s been a thrilling journey which has so far been good,” he adds.
After conjuring up the city’s only exclusive comedy club (That comedy club) with Adeel KQ, it’s safe to surmise comedy is clearly on his mind – On the stage and off it. Speaking of his other interests, the city-based atiste with a funny bone adds, “I work on interesting concepts for live comedy shows. I am also a travel enthusiast and enjoy learning about the history of different places, their culture, and cuisines etc. I also love listening to podcasts, and read and watch everything around comedy.”
Albeit hopeful about things panning out just right, when quizzed about his take on the comparisons between international comedy and the comedy scene in India, Sam concludes by opining, “The Indian comedy scene is still at a nascent stage. We’ve got years of mastering to do. It’ll take a while for audiences to get introduced to the idea of live comedy shows, and specially bring it into their regular weekend plans. There is also a need for infrastructure i.e. more comedy clubs and production houses. On the positive side, we have digital access to information for rapid growth. And the outreach is strong towards both, audience and aspiring comedians.”
