Talktime | ‘Comedy is not only my job, but passion’

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Talktime | ‘Comedy is not only my job, but passion’

Sunday, 06 September 2020 | MUSBA HASHMI

Talktime | ‘Comedy is not only my job, but passion’

Sunil Grover - Grover, who rose to fame for playing characters like Gutthi and Dr Mashoor Gulati, speaks with Musba Hashmi about what it takes to come up with such characters, his new show — Gangs of Filmistan which airs on Star Bharat, and also shares some memories of his school days

What is Gangs of Filmistan about?

It is the first ever comedy non-fiction show. The show is very topical because in challenging times like these humour has a major part to play. Our intention is to make people have a good laugh and forget all their worries atleast for one hour, from Monday to Friday. We all are going through a tough time, so our focus is to spread positivity and smiles via this show. As the name suggests, the show is related to films. Various artists will be performing on stage and I will be seen in a different avatar — a don — and I will be watching people perform from a distance. I am given a new responsibility this time and I am excited to be a part of the show.

What made you say yes?

There are many reasons why I took up this project. First, I am seen in a new avatar. Second, I didn’t have any plans of doing this show, I was to shoot a film but then the lockdown happened and things got postponed. That is when, I was offered this show and I thought this is the right platform to help people relax and unwind during the current time.

You have played the two most popular characters — Gutthi and Dr Mashoor Gulati. What is takes to come up with such characters that remain relevant for years?

This is my passion and also my job. Mujhe yahi aata hai aur mujhe maza bhi isi mein aata hai. I don’t know why people love these characters so much, may be because I enjoy playing them that’s why the audience loves them too.  However, my focus is always on doing things that I love doing. There is no rocket science behind it.

What is comedy for you?

In simple words, something that can entertain people and make them laugh. Aur agar ek soch bhi jaagruk ho jaye toh bohot acha hai. There are hundreds of thousands of ways to do it and I know a couple of them and I practice a few. nDid you always know that comedy is your field?

Did you always know that comedy is your field?

Yes. Since I was in school, I used to mimic my teachers and friends. While I did that, my classmates used to laugh and I never understood why are they enjoying so much. Gradually, I started performing on stage during my college days and people always enjoyed my acts. I started liking it and after my graduation when I was a bit mature to understand things, I thought of pursuing a Masters degree in Drama. Thanks to my family, who allowed me to explore this field without having an idea of how the industry works and the future in it. And after a lot of struggles, I am here today doing what I enjoy the most.

Some memories from your school days.

Once, I was mimicking my principal in front of my classmates during school hours and the whole class was having a fun time. I was in Class VIII back then. That was when, my teacher walked in the class and stood right behind me. I was too busy mimicking that I didn’t even realise and soon after one of my classmate stood up and told the teacher about my doings. The teacher asked me to do it again and I apologised, but he insisted that I should do it again. So I did. The teacher smiled and took me to the principal. My ears turned red out of fear. I was asked to do it again in front of the principal and fortunately he laughed it off. From there onwards, I gained confidence and there was no stopping. However, it was all in good spirits and I maintained his dignity.

Did you ever get in trouble because of this?

Not in trouble, but yes I got scolded from a stranger. We went on a vacation to Mount Abu with family and friends. I started acting that I have lost my brother. All my friends were watching me from a distance and enjoying. I was crying and roaming and just then this person saw me and said that he will find my brother. When he started looking here and there, he realised that a group of  around six people were standing and laughing at me. He understood that I was faking it and he scolded me a lot. He shouted and said it was wrong to play with people’s emotions, I too realised that what I did was wrong.

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