Shekhar Suman has dabbled with the comedy genre long enough to comment on what has changed. The actor, anchor, filmmaker and singer notes that the space has changed for the worse. “[Comedians] do something stupid, moronic, become a woman, dog, anything! Humour or comedy is a much deeper subject. You say the most bitter or truest things in a lighter vein. But it has to have a purpose, it can’t be silly. Once in a while, it can be [silly, but not always],” shares Suman, who has been a part of hit comedy shows such as Dekh Bhai Dekh, Comedy Circus and The Great Indian Laughter Challenge.

The 59-year-old points out the space has fallen to a “pedestrian” level, where people insult other people to evoke laughter. “It (comedy) is not just about that or roasting someone about their colour, height or body shape. It’s just about making you (the audience) happy. There are many ways to do it,” explains Suman, adding that pulling someone’s leg is acceptable, but insulting them is not.

“Comedy is like bungee jumping today, it has gone to the absolute pits. There is a lack of entertainers… They are not well-read or educated, that’s why they are going around in a loop, doing the same thing,” he wraps up.