The term celebrity is making a happy shift towards digital mediums with engaging digital content creators coming up. Snapchat and youtube sensations are taking the Internet by the storm. They have the power to excite, engage and influence. Now that the known stand-up comedians are stepping out of the mobile screens to big screens, is it the advent of another love affair, or an indication of convergence of two industries – Bollywood films and stand-up comedy.
Kanan Gill, yes, the one from the famous Pretentious Movie Reviews who had us ROFL with every new video, is the latest example of comics being cast in Bollywood movies. Landing a fairly sizable role in Sonakshi Sinha starrer ‘Noor’, he marked his big screen debut.
Other recent instances include AIB’s Mojo Rojo, Rohan Joshi, who supported very well in his supporting role in Baar Baar Dekho.
Apart from this, Biswa Kalyan Rath, yet again from the Pretentious Movie Reviews’ fame was seen is Brahman Naman, AIB’s Tanmay Bhat in Mr. X, Varun Thakur in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, to count a few.
No amount of recent examples can hide the contribution that the exemplary comic Vir Das had in the B-town. Recognised for his roles in movies like Badmaash Company, Go Goa Gone, Delhi Belly and Mastizaade, he is one level above the rest.
There are no two thoughts about it that Indian stand-up comedy fraternity has grown manifold over a couple of years, and has come to a point where it’s booming across the country. It has established itself as a mainstream entertainment medium and we can see comedy clubs, events and tours happening all over India.
Comedy stars have become a household name and stand-up comedy is slowly becoming an acceptable career option.
New Age Indian Comedians
Given the rise in the comedy landscape, the comedy stars are now seeking a career in the B-town that allows them an expanded reach. This is a tough move if decision makers are not open to new ideas or perspectives.
However, the increase in number of comics in films these days hint towards its recognition and direction in the industry.
Past Perfect
Hindi cinema has been known to churn out its widely celebrated comedians such as Mehmood, Kishore Kumar and Johnny Lever. It is better to term them as comic actors and not stand-up comedians, for stand-up is fairly new field.
Conclusion
Indian stand-up comics are indeed a melting pot of talent that’s waiting to be tapped. They have capacity to make great writers, directors and actors. It is high time to realise it and change the face of B-town for good.