This stand-up comic act was all about tasks for the audience members: lucky draws, impersonating famous cricketers, impromptu interviews, as well as debates on why Bengaluru was the best city ever. Headlined by Cyrus Broacha, one among the country’s pioneers in the world of standup comedy, Bengaluru audiences were treated to a unique interactive session.

And the best part according to Cyrus is this, “The audience has changed and how. Back in the day, the audience was shy. You had to make an effort to get them involved. But now you have an audience that is informed. Due to the internet and all the exposure, they come to the room with a certain knowledge. They pick up all the nuances: the tongue-in-cheek stuff, the double meanings, the political jokes, everything. And they have no qualms about participating.”

Cyrus points out to another welcome change. “It’s great to see that comedians are finally getting some credibility. Back then, there was a tendency to call comics names like ‘clowns’ or ‘jokers’ in a derogatory way. They were not respected. I feel satire has helped performers also share a bit of wisdom as part of their comic routine. Today, there are so many comedians out there. It is wonderful to see how an entire generation has completely taken to humour,” he shares.

Cyrus Broacha on stage with a few enthusiastic participants from the audience at his recent show