Shreyas's TV Debut - indya.com

Shreyas' TV debut

Actor Shreyas Talpade is glad about making his TV debut in STAR Plus' comedy reality show, Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala. He is working very hard to make sure that he gives his best on the show, where he will be competing with stalwarts, Raveena Tandon, Shekhar Suman and Arshad Warsi. The actor's team, Shreyas Chi Mandli comprises stand-up comedian Raju Srivastava, Roshni Chopra, Arhaan Behl and Balraj. Though he's busy shooting in Chandigarh currently, he still manages to rehearse with his team. Here's a chat with the versatile actor on comedy, television and comedy on television .

What does comedy mean to you?
Life seems like a comedy to me! I am constantly running from Chandigarh to the sets of CKMM. Moreover, I don't have time to rehearse properly and no time to meet my wife and my dogs. That is the funniest thing happening to me right now. But on a serious note, comedy is reacting to a particular situation in a humorous way. I am glad we have such a range in comedy - slapstick, black and witty humour.

What were your reasons for choosing CKMM?
Money!!! [ Smiles] They're giving me good money and I like the format of the show. It reminds me of my days in theatre. Back then, we used to get-together, rehearse scripts, have discussions, creative satisfaction and execution. It was a learning experience for me as is CKMM. It is teaching me a lot and I am enjoying it.

What do you think of comedy on TV today?
I am glad comedy on television entertains the family audiences. I guess many comedy shows have brought innovative comic scripts which are very different from the comedy you see in films.

Is laughter really the best medicine?
Yes, definitely! If you are bored or stress out in your daily, hectic life, laughter gives you a lot of relief. It acts like medicine.

When was the last time you laughed, after watching something on television?
I don't really remember but I think I laughed after watching myself on screen and thinking about my comedy.

Which team has the best talent? Whom do you expect the most from?
I think everyone is very talented right from Arshad's team to ours. But at the same time, I feel Shekhar Suman's team has some great talent like Shaileshji and Supriya Tai. Even Raveena's Mohre has gems. It is great to watch everyone performing.

What is your take on your fellow captains, their comic timing and their personality?
All my fellow captains are very talented. I have worked with Arshad before, so I know him very well. I understand his sense of humour and comic timing. Raveena Tandon and Shekhar Suman are my seniors and I have a lot to learn from them. I am the youngest amongst the captains in this show and I'm learning a lot from everyone.

What brings a smile to your face on a daily basis?
Thinking about my daily cheque and when they give me my cheque for work!!!

How is your equation with the contestants off-screen? What kind of jokes do you share?
We are great as a team and have a pretty cool rapport. I am glad to have legendry stand-up comedian Raju Srivastava in my team. I also have the brainy beauty Roshni Chopra, budding stand-up comedian Balraj and last but not least Arhaan, who is a popular face on STAR Plus. We share various jokes and have a lot of fun. We have a cool, wonderful mandli.

How would you impress your wife with just Rs 100 in your hand?
She will be impressed if I don't lose the Rs.100 and put it in a safe. I have a habit of losing money which always angers her.

Which superhero would you like to turn into and why?
Superman! I love his red colour underwear the most.

Don't forget to watch Shreyas Talpade Chi Mandli in Comedy Ka Maha Muqabla every Sat-Sun at 9 pm only on STAR Plus.