Comedian ABISH MATHEW speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about his latest season of Son Of Abish which has guests like Raftaar and Indian American rapper Utkarsh, how working with limited resources helped and journey so far
What is Son of Abish Season 7 about?
The first episode of the season is already out. It is fully done all while being at home. We wanted to address the live audience as it just adds to the flavour of the show. We got all the audience online with their mics and videos. We have had good conversations.
How did the idea come up for the show?
The show started in 2013-14. I love being on stage be it hosting, comedy or performing since I was in school and stumbled upon The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I thought it was an interesting format without knowing what it entailed. There were two things that caught my imagination — one doing what I do best and there is a live audience. I just wished that there was some way that I could both. But I didn’t know what broadcasting was and other technical aspects. When YouTube came, I started a show with comedy. Season 2 was a talk show and Season 7 I a mix of things — talking to the audience, give my opinion and celebs who come in.
How did you get into standup comedy?
When I was in school my teacher told my parents that while I had not done too well academically — in Math, but don’t worry he will do well on stage. My parents said that they were aware of it and hence didn’t pressurise me. That is when I doubled down and went into music, radio and host programmes. From there I got into making people laugh.
What are the celebs this time round?
I am very proud of the guest list that I have this time. We have Raftaar who comes in with Utkarsh Ambudkar, an Indian-American rapper, he is a Hollywood actor who was in Pitch Perfect. Then there is Hari Kondabolu, one of the most popular Indian American stand-up comedians who came with Sumukhi Suresh. Then there is Asif Ali with Kalki Koechlin. Then there is the Flying Beast Family — Ritu and Gaurav and in the middle their daughter came in and waved, that was so cute.
How does it work, with you at home, celebs where they are and the audience — all at different locations?
Technically, we recorded everything. We had our technical and creative team in place. The only concern was to figure out whether the audience will enjoy the experience since they are the ones who bought the tickets. I spend more time with them. Even the celebs made sure that they entertained.
Was it tough to convince the celebs to be part of the show?
It is tough given the present situation. Whether it will be good for them or not. But luckily, I have done six seasons. This was easy to approach first-timers like Raftaar. If the celeb refused, I understood that there were constraints. If someone didn’t know, I was like a salesperson.
What were the challenges — finances and technical?
Digital challenges could be met with by buying Google Drive space. Everyone worked remotely and kept backup. I am not working with writers, I am working with a group of producers who know how to edit, direct and produce. Everyone had one major project and everyone helped each other.
How has the journey been?
I would say that this show has done more to my career than my stand-up. This is good since this was the am. I have become a better performer and producer. Because of this I have been able to build another show Journey of a Joke and two-three other shows. I now understand the business of things. Son Of Abish is my teacher.
Can Indians take jokes on themselves and be more tolerant?
We have always managed to joke on ourselves. The only problem is that on social media, it is difficult to determine the age of the audience. If you want to say something, some may agree and others not. One has to be mature to take it. Take an example. On TV, there are many programmes, but I want to watch cartoons even though there is news. People have the right to say what they want. Right now, this is not happening but it will soon — when people will listen to what the other has to say.
What next?
I have started a company that is single-handedly producing Son Of Abish. I want to make other shows and work with a few friends. We want to build what we want and what makes us happy.
