What kind of response have you got for Comedy Ka Maha Muqabla?
The response has been fair. People are enjoying watching so much talent on one stage. Most of them love the concept wherein the judges too join their team to perform a skit and are judged themselves. Comedy Ka Maha Muqabla is a refreshing concept in the sea of comedy shows on television today. It stands out as it is different in every sense.
Which was the toughest act for your team?
Every act is tough as a lot goes into it. You think of a concept, prepare and execute it. Moreover, you are judged week after week, so if you score less the challenge is to surpass it and ditto if you score well. I have loved and enjoyed all acts performed by my team.
Which would you say has been the best act of your team?
Though, I love all but perhaps the most enjoyable of them all till date was the cop act I did. I played a jailor who is about to hang a criminal and asks him his last wish. Ultimately, the talk leads to the jailor standing with the noose around his neck as that was the last wish of the criminal. The events that led up to that point were hilarious.
Which act have you enjoyed the most on the show?
Arshad's team brings out gem after gem every week. I really enjoy the work his team puts in. I also enjoy Raju's [Srivastav] stand up acts.
What was your reaction to Raveena's team's ouster?
I wasn't sad about her ouster as she would still be with us post her team bowed out of the show but yes I was sad to see her team and the talent go. They were really funny and good actors.
Complete: Comedy for you is..
Comedy for me is another way of looking at life. With humour, I am able to understand life better, not take everything seriously. I believe every person should be able to laugh at themselves on a daily basis.
What do you think of comedy on TV today?
It could be better. On television today, comedy is explored in all genres possible but yet it all seems the same. I guess, we Indians play too much to the gallery and have lowered our standards. Even in the studios, the audiences are paid 100-200 to stand, clap, laugh and to evoke genuine laughter from them, channels resort to toilet humour. Most of these people are illiterate or come from a background that understands and appreciates such humour. So, a higher standard isn't brought in. Even for the tv audiences, obscene jokes, double meaning ones and jokes on women and celebs are the most common ones. I wish we were more cerebral in our comedy and had funnier lines than resorting to physical humour.
Is laughter really the best medicine?
Yes. Laughter is truly the best medicine in today's world where everyone is rushing from point A to B and always stressed out. With laughter you not only relax and feel light, but also feel healthier.
When was the last time you laughed, after watching something on television…
I always laugh when I watch any show or movie with subtle humour. I enjoy watching Jim Carrey, Peter Sellers, Woody Allen etc., who are masters of funny, witty lines and comedy. They don't go over the top- though Jim does but he carries it off very well. Not everyone can do what Jim does.
What is your take on your fellow judges, their comic timing and their personality?
All of them are not just good actors with superb comic timing but also good human beings. The last quality is most important according to me. We are all above competition and are simply enjoying being on the show. Arshad, Shreyas and I have our men jokes and puns but watch ourselves when Raveena is around. We love and respect her as she is a lady, so we also cheer her up when she is moody or upset when her team doesn't score well. Arshad has great comic timing sense but I was surprised to know that he was shy to perform on stage. Shreyas has been a surprise packet and really outdone himself in CKMM. Our show is first of its kind where there hasn't been any argument among judges, no rancor, no malice, no ugly fights for TRPs, no bickering or politics.
What brings a smile to your face- on a daily basis?
Innocence. Any person who is nave and innocent about the world surprises me and that makes me smile. If anyone innocently says something that means otherwise, it brings smile to my face.
Funniest rumour you have heard about yourself..
I had worn a Gucci locket to an event and the next day with my photograph, the caption read, Shekhar is hell bent on showing off his fake Gucci locket and his cleavage. Now why would I wear a fake Gucci locket when I can afford the real deal.
How would you impress your date with just Rs 100 in your hand?
I would take my date out to juhu beach, for a coffee, movie, convince her that a double decker bus is very romantic and take a ride in that. I would give her a single rose and tell her it encapsulates all my feelings. I would make her laugh.
Which superhero would you like to turn into and why?
Superman just for the ability to fly. I love flying and even if I didn't have his strength, just being able to fly wherever I want would be superb.
Hilarious news item/headline you read?
On many news channels, they run stories about animals. One such that I saw was that there was a horse that people rode to increase their sexual prowess. I want to know what happened to the horse's sexual abilities after all these people rode him hard.
What fun vow would you like to add to your marriage vows now after years of marriage?
I would add that I would surprise my wife every day. I would add a vow which said that I would do a dance routine for her in our bedroom and strip for her whenever she wants.
Watch Comedy Ka Mahamuqabla every Sat- Sun at 9 pm on STAR Plus.
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