Showing posts with label Anubhav Bassi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anubhav Bassi. Show all posts
"Don't mock my lips": Sumona Chakravarti prompts body shaming debate
8:47 AM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 18, 2023)
It’s been long since body shaming jokes have been sadly normalized on comedy shows and stand-up acts. Fortunately, many have objected to the discourse, stating that some of these jokes go way below the belt and are outright offensive.
In a recent interview with YouTuber Ashdin Doctor (The Habit Coach), actor-comedian Sumona Chakravarti opened up on how demeaning jokes about her lips by fellow actors on a comedy show left her hurt. Earlier, celebs including Archana Puran Singh, Kiku Sharda, Neha Kakkar and many others have been at the receiving end of such body-shaming digs.
Addressing the larger issue, some comedians weigh in on where to draw a line when it comes to cracking jokes on a person’s physical appearance.
Comedian-host Bharti Singh opines that whenever a person feels offended by such jokes, they must say it “loud and clear in the first time itself”. “It does not make sense to get up and express one day how it was disrespectful. I’m sure nobody would repeat it if your boundaries are established,” asserts Singh, who happily takes such jokes on herself.
She doesn’t mind being laughed at for her weight because she is “secure” in her space. She explains, “Someone’s joke cannot decide my respect or how I feel about myself.”
Actor-comedian Gaurav Gera feels the culture has diminished over a period of time. “Thankfully, the whole world has united to share their opinions on this topic on the internet. What the person on the other side feels should be observed and jokes have to be developed keeping that it mind,” he states, hoping that with so much talent in our country, “we can come up with fresh ideas and innovative humour”.
Stand-up comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi feels one “can’t outrightly mock anyone or pass distasteful comments”.
He says, “If I have a doubt that some statement might hurt someone, then I don’t take the risk. It’s an art to convey important points in a comical way.”
Bassi adds that jokes on body image have been done to death. “Priyadarshan ki movies mein yeh sab already ho chuka hai. If I want to do something better, I need to come up with newer ideas,” he notes.
On hitting below the belt and making personal comments in the name of fun, actor-comedian Sunil Grover says, “I just want people to laugh and for that, I do not support making personal comments that may hurt others. If I can make people laugh without the personal remarks, then why to unnecessarily poke anyone or hurt their sentiments or trigger their insecurities.”
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“I felt really bad. After the show (a show with actor-comedian Kapil Sharma), I became very conscious of my mouth. I would not wear a bright lipstick.”
- Sumona Chakravarti
Ranbir Kapoor helped me when I got stuck during scenes-Anubhav Bassi
8:25 AM
Kanksha Vasavada (THE TIMES OF INDIA; July 31, 2023)
On his journey of becoming a stand-up comedian
After getting my BA (LLB) degree, I was hoping to crack the UPSC exams, but that didn’t work out. Then I worked at the Supreme Court for some time, later started a business but I felt there was something amiss. I used to visit the comedy clubs where I performed once, and I was told I should do more sets as humour comes naturally to me. So, I started doing gigs and gained great response and love from the audiences.
On creating jokes relatable to all
I believe in creating content that entertains all. My acts comprise anecdotes, so the language might have a couple of phrases from my birthplace and workplace, Meerut and Delhi respectively, but the content is relatable to all. If a joke must be changed according to each city, it is not even worth performing, or uploading online.
On performing on a script written by someone else
When I signed the film (Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar), I thought it would be a challenge to perform a comic role with lines and punches written by someone else. But it turned out to be easy as Luv sir’s (director Luv Ranjan) writing and his way of delivering a punch is quite like mine. Our thought process was in sync, so he gave his best punches to my character.
On working with Ranbir Kapoor
I acted in a couple of theatre plays in school, but never had any other training in acting. When we began shooting, Ranbir (Kapoor) was my biggest supporter and taught me a lot during the scenes. Since most of my scenes were with him, he used to help me wherever I got stuck. Even off-screen, we shared a good rapport.
Ahmedabad sheher he alag hai
This city’s craze for entertainment is unbelievable. I don’t know if there are any other cities where we have had shows that begin at 9 pm. And the love people shower us with is so immense and warm, I love coming to the city and perform.
Tips up and coming stand-up comics
1. Write a lot of content. Try and test it in front of friends or at open mics
2. Don’t rush. One video rarely makes a stand-up comedian an overnight sensation, it takes years of performances to get there
3. Know your audience. If a joke you feel is brilliant but doesn’t work with the people, let it go
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