Archana Puran Singh on seeing Amitabh on their show; Sunil Grover on leaving the party last & more

In a recent exclusive conversation with India Forums, comedy icons and actors Archana Puran Singh, Sunil Grover and Rajiv Thakur from the 'Great India Kapil Show' shared their thoughts on various aspects of the entertainment industry, particularly their journey on a show that's now broadcast in 192 countries. The conversation, filled with humor and anecdotes, gave a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of creating comedy that resonates globally while staying sensitive to evolving audience sensibilities.

The trio were asked if they ever boast to their relatives about being featured in 192 countries, moving beyond traditional television. Archana Puran Singh humorously admitted that while they do joke about it in casual conversations, there’s no need to flex. "We are the best," she quipped. They shared their fear of relatives from one of those 192 countries showing up unexpectedly!

With the rising trend of people getting offended easily, the conversation shifted to how they manage to maintain a delicate balance between humor and sensitivity. While acknowledging that the format of their show often involves poking fun at people, they manage to keep it entertaining without crossing the line. Archana mentioned that although they don’t perform, they are sometimes caught in the crossfire, particularly during a joke that triggers a bigger reaction than expected. They pointed out that sometimes the editing team heightens the reaction by placing it against a lighter punchline, making the laughter seem disproportionate.

The discussion highlighted the role of their creative team, who have mastered the art of creating comedy without offending anyone. The sheer number of celebrities who continue to come on the show proves that they are doing something right.

They also expressed their pride in how celebrities, from Deepika Padukone to Karan Johar, make appearances on the show. Celebrities often mention that attending the show feels like a family event, and many bring their families along as part of the audience. For example, Kartik Aaryan’s family regularly attends the show, and his mother became the star of one of the episodes!

Rajiv Thakur also shared how difficult it is for Archana to relax during the show. They have to stay constantly engaged, as the camera is always on them. If they even slightly relax, the quick-witted host, Kapil, will immediately notice and turn it into a joke.

When asked if there was any celebrity they wished to invite but haven’t yet, one Archana Puran Singh immediately mentioned Amitabh Bachchan. While Bachchan had been on the show previously, it was before her time, and she expressed her desire to have him back. "Amit ji is someone I’ve worked with and known for a long time," she said. While most of the industry has already been on the show, Amitabh Bachchan remains a dream guest for her.

Watch FULL INTERVIEW here.

While Rajiv Thakur shared how initially nervous he was when performing in front of Varun Dhawan. He mentioned how seeing the final version of his performance on television made him realize that he need not have been so anxious. Performing in front of superstars like Shah Rukh Khan was equally nerve-wracking but ultimately fulfilling.

The group reflected on how every celebrity brings a different energy to the show. While some come ready to laugh and enjoy themselves, others are more confused or unsure of how to react to the jokes. They pointed out that guests like Badshah, Gurdas Maan, and Kajol fully embrace the humor, while others may take the jokes too seriously.

Some celebrities even step in to defend them, when they are the subject of jokes. One shared how familiar many of the guests have become, with celebrities sometimes telling Kapil, "Don’t say that about her!"

The conversation took an interesting turn when the group was asked which emotion they would like to portray if given the chance. Humor is something they are all proficient in, but Archana Puran Singh said she would enjoy playing anger because it provides a sense of release. "There’s so much scope in expressing all those negative emotions that you keep hidden," she noted.

Rajiv Thakur reflected on the importance of balance, highlighting the different emotional states one goes through in life. Whether it’s happiness, sadness, or calm, each emotion has its time and place. For Sunil Grover, while he enjoys peace, he also loves being the last person to leave a party, showing his more contradictory side.

The conversation wrapped up with a reflection on how comedy, at its core, is about timing, understanding, and connection. Whether performing in front of a massive audience or engaging one-on-one, these entertainers continue to thrive by adapting to the changing times while staying true to the essence of humor.