He walked away from a desk job to become a comedian, and India is thankful for it. Jeeveshu Alhuwalia, who will be performing at Kala Academy on April 9, talks about comedy and more
He’s known, in comedy circles, as the Salman Khan of the fat world. Does that mean he loves to take his shirt off, that he can’t dance or act properly, or does that mean he just loves being human? Perhaps it’s better if we experience his show and laugh at his jokes. Jeeveshu Alhuwalia will be performing at Kala Academy on April 9 and it promises to be a good one.This is a guy who left his desk job and picked up a mike, preferring to be witty and make audiences roll in the aisles rather than just do stupid things at work and make his colleagues laugh. One thing led to another and he became a stand-up comedian, often being picked by NDTV as one of the rising stars of Indian comedy. You’ll find him commenting on day-to-day life, interesting observations and a lot of things that catch his attention. Now Comedy Club Goa brings him to your doorstep, for an evening of fun.
The Goan: Why did you become a stand-up comedian?
Jeeveshu Alhuwalia: I became a stand-up comic because I was too funny to be a politician
TG: What is with the sudden rise of stand-up comedy in India? What would you attribute that to?
JA: The sudden rise of comedy is largely due to Kapil’s show (Comedy Nights with Kapil) and other comedy show formats which are highly popular on TV. Then YouTube gives access to people to choose who they like and how they like, especially what they like. So freedom of choice and great comics with good content all add to the rise.
TG: You’ve been taking on issues like being fat. Do you think fat shaming, as well as other shaming, needs to be addressed urgently?
JA: Fat shaming or any other shaming is not acceptable, and it is to be addressed as and when witnessed to curb it there. If why is still a question then I am scared of the sensibility of the people around.
TG: How strongly are you for the freedom of speech? Do you think politicians and others over-reacting when comedians make fun of them is warranted?
JA: Yes I believe in freedom of speech and if the comedians were to react the same way politicians do at statements they make they will get to know how easy it is to sound so stupid.
TG: What are your strict no-nos when you’re doing a show?
JA: I don’t talk about caste, sex, colour, religion and politics.
