Azeem Banatwalla is ready to make us laugh with his brand of stand-up comedy as a drink stop opens its door to some LOL for the first time
Azeem Banatwalla
Q. What can people expect from your gig at Hard Rock Cafe?
A. They can expect to fall off their chairs, throw their clothing on stage, and start dancing. The stand-up show won’t be bad either.
Azeem Banatwalla
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Q. How has the stand-up comedy scene changed in India since you started out?
A. It has changed a lot. From being just one show every other month, now there’s at least one show of some magnitude any day of the week. More and more people are discovering stand-up, but it’s crazy how many people haven’t watched a show live yet.
Q. Are more venues now open to hosting stand up gigs?
A. Yes, a lot more venues are interested because it’s an alternative to music, and also because stand-up comedians now have a fan following and pull in crowds. It helps business for the pubs as well, since most people end up having a few drinks at the show.
Q. In a time of intolerance, is there something you wouldn't joke about?
A. I’m not bothered about what may or may not offend people in my act. There are certain people who want to be offended, no matter what you talk about. I could talk about unicorns and they’ll twist it and make it seem like I’m anti-national! I talk about what I find funny and if you don’t like it, you’re the one missing out!
Q. Have you ever offended anyone with your humour?
A. I’ve heard some horror stories, but, generally, stand-up audiences are pretty civilised in places like Mumbai and Bengaluru. People roam around with guns in Delhi, so that’s a different ball game! But generally, when people buy a ticket and watch
a show, they usually know what they’re getting into, so they’re not the types who would get easily offended.
Q. Are Mumbaikars funny folk? Can we laugh at ourselves?
A. Yes, we’re funny. As people, with the things we do. I mean, just look at the number of potholes on the roads. It’s positively hilarious. I think most of us can laugh at ourselves. The ones who can’t take a joke need other ways to pass their time, so they spend it writing open letters and filing FIRs!
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