Showing posts with label Archana Puran Singh interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Archana Puran Singh interview. Show all posts
Archana Puran Singh on Samay Raina’s family vlog jokes: "There was nothing humiliating about it"
9:30 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; September 10, 2026)
Archana Puran Singh has dismissed the social media trolling over her appearance on Samay Raina’s roast comedy show, India’s Got Latent, saying she was neither offended nor humiliated by the jokes. She also clarified that she was not paid to appear on the show, contrary to assumptions people are making on social media.
“It’s a non-issue for me. The definition of roast comedy is that he does roast comedy. What did I expect?” Archana said, adding that jokes about her husband, actor-director Parmeet Sethi, and sons Aryamann and Ayushmann being “nalla” or jobless are nothing new.
‘I went on Samay’s show willingly, and nothing is humiliating about it’
“Kapil (Sharma) has said it multiple times on his show, but nobody got upset then, neither did I. Suddenly, because they have a platform on social media, people who have got nothing better to do say, ‘Let’s comment and troll.’”
Archana said she appeared on Samay’s show willingly because she enjoys the format. “I went there willingly, and nothing is humiliating about it because it is only meant to be humorous, not insulting. So, people who don’t understand roast comedy are getting offended on my behalf.”
She also clarified that guests are not paid to appear on the show. “The show does not pay anyone to come on the show. People said, ‘That is why she went and got herself humiliated.’ Samay is the only one who makes money, none of us do.”
‘Men who don’t feel threatened by a woman’s success should be praised’
Addressing the repeated use of the word “nalla” by Samay, while referring to her husband (Parmeet) and sons (Aryamann and Ayushmann), Archana questioned the gendered nature of the criticism. “When men go out and work, and the woman is at home, no one tells them, “You are nalli’?” Men who don’t feel threatened by a woman’s success and stand by her should be praised,” she said.
Archana, who will be seen in the upcoming season of Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya and a reality show with Parmeet, also stressed that her family is far from jobless, pointing out that he (Parmeet) has worked extensively as an actor, director and writer, while their sons run successful YouTube channels.
“Parmeet and my sons are far from jobless. My younger son and my husband handle our family channel online. Plus, my older one handles his own channel. People don’t understand the economics of that business; hence, maybe they say “nalla”. We are laughing all the way to the bank.”
You can’t please everybody, someone will always find something objectionable-Archana Puran Singh
10:40 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 3, 2026)
On World Laughter Day, Archana Puran Singh reflects on the sound that has become synonymous with her — her unmistakable, full-bodied laugh. But even as audiences celebrate it, she’s careful to put it in perspective. Uninhibited laughter, she insists, isn’t as rare as it’s made out to be, it’s just that hers plays out on screen.
“I think a lot of people do laugh from their hearts. It’s only that I’m on camera, so you see my laughter more,” she says, pointing to the unfiltered joy she sees around her — at home with her sons, among friends and even in public figures.
“My sons laugh totally from the belly… I feel Sunita Ahuja has a bigger laugh than mine. And I love Kajol’s laugh — she laughs from the heart.”
Archana’s chat with us moves between humour and honesty — reminding you that behind the iconic laugh is a life lived fully, flaws, contradictions and all. Excerpts:
‘Almost everything has a funny side to it — I look at life through that lens’
Laughter has, however, sometimes coexisted with challenging moments in her life. Recalling her time on the show Comedy Circus, she shares, “I was on set when I got the news that my mother-in-law had passed away. We were just about to shoot, and I said I have to leave. But they asked me if I could give my reactions first. So, I had to sit there and do a small laugh, then a medium laugh, then a loud laugh. I remember thinking... How bizarre is this?”
The incident, she says, is a stark reminder of the industry’s demands. “It’s not a cliché - the show must go on.” She recalls another moment when her young son was unwell and pleaded with her not to leave. “He said, ‘Mamma, don’t go,’ but I had to go and shoot all day. Those moments stay with you forever… the guilt, the trauma.”
For Archana, humour isn’t an escape route. She shares, “Humour isn’t my escape, it is part of my life. I try not to take myself too seriously. Almost everything has a funny side to it — I look at life through that lens.” At home, laughter is a shared affair. “In the house, I make people laugh the most, sometimes it’s a competition between my older one, Aaryamann and me. I love to mimic people, and my son always tells me I make situations far funnier than they really are. But honestly, they are the ones who make me laugh,” she shares.
‘You can’t please everybody, someone will always find something objectionable’
On the evolving nature of comedy, the actress takes a wide, inclusive view. Shows like The Kapil Sharma Show continue to represent family-friendly humour, while newer voices such as Samay Raina explore edgier spaces. “There are takers for all kinds of comedy… and I find neither objectionable,” she says.
Ultimately, she believes humour is deeply subjective. “You cannot please everybody, someone or the other will always find something objectionable. So how do you eliminate everything? You have the remote — just don’t watch it,” she says, adding, “In a country as diverse as India, one kind of humour cannot appeal to all. Comedy is evolving, and when anything changes, there will always be a little discomfort. That is true art.”
‘Some people love my laugh, some don’t…it’s fine’
Archana points to a social conditioning that often restrains women from expressing joy freely. “A lot of women are taught not to laugh out loud because it’s considered unfeminine, and it doesn’t sound nice. It’s only because I’ve been on shows that my laughter has become more noticeable,” she explains.
Despite the popularity of her trademark laugh, she is quick to assert that it doesn’t define her entirely. “I’m much more than just a laughter queen. I’ve been an actor for 30-40 years now. To be known only for your laughter… I have no complaints, but I do feel that I’m much more than that. Some people love my laugh, some don’t — but as long as they’re talking about me, it’s fine,” says Archana.
Parmeet Sethi jokes that he should get royalty for all the jokes Kapil Sharma has cracked on him-Archana Puran Singh
9:14 AM
Iti Shree Misra (BOMBAY TIMES; December 13, 2024)
Actress and comedian Archana Puran Singh, presently seen as part of Kapil Sharma’s show, in an exclusive chat with us shared how she doesn’t mind jokes on herself. The Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actress also shared about her acting offers, how comedy has evolved over the years and her sons. Read on...
There is a mutual respect and regard between Kapil and me and I don’t mind his jokes on me
While one may find the jibes and jokes cracked by Kapil Sharma on his show on Archana Puran Singh offensive, the show host and actress says she doesn’t mind the jokes he cracks at her expense. “About 17 years ago Kapil and I started our journey together when he was a contestant in a show that I was judging, called Comedy Circus. There is a mutual regard and respect we have for each other that nothing can shake or break. When he made fun of me and made wisecracks at me I used to find it highly amusing that he has the guts to do this to a ‘judge’ who he knows will eventually be awarding marks at the end of the act. His irreverent humour combined with his actual in-person respect is what made his wise cracks so endearing to me. He always apologized profusely to me, sometimes before the act or sometimes after the act... ki ‘ma’am aap itne sportingly le lete ho humaare punches aur hum aapko bahut pyar karte hain’.”
“It is the same equation we share that allows him to take pot shots at me even today on The Kapil Sharma Show (TKSS); he knows what creates humour on stage and I know that he means no personal disrespect for me when he is delivering punches aimed at me,” says Archana, adding, “How can I, who herself is known for her comedy, not understand that this is all in fun and not to be taken seriously at all? He is a huge star today but he still accords me the same respect of a junior towards a senior and we value that combination of love, respect, mutual admiration and love for irreverent humour that is the most tickling kind of humour personally for me. Now people love the fact that Kapil takes off on me and then I give it back to him and he calls me his 'saasu ma' or 'jethani' for making jibes at him... it has in fact become an organic part of the show and the audiences wait for our little 'nok-jhonk' in all episodes. I also hope through me a lot of people learn to take jokes in their stride and to not take offense when something is said merely to create humour.”
Archana says that even her family enjoys the jokes cracked by Kapil on her and her family. “In fact often Parmeet jokes himself and says he should get royalty payment for all the jokes Kapil has cracked on him,” she says.
TKSS left me with little time for films or OTT
Archana hasn’t been seen in too many films or web shows apart from TKSS in recent times. Ask her if offers have stopped coming her way or she is not accepting any and she says, “Films stopped coming to me since my dates schedule was fully taken up by The Kapil Show. But now, since the show has shifted to a web platform, we have an easier schedule and that allows us time in between. But initially TKSS left me with little time for films or OTT when it was on the GEC. I have refused many films at that time and as an actor, I had felt terrible that I had to make a choice between being an actor or being on the show. But I’m now happy to have a balance of both films as well as OTT,” she says.
It’s heartwarming to see that Miss Braganza is still such a loved character
The one character that everyone remembers of Archana is of Miss Braganza in the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol and Rani Mukerji starrer Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Mention that and the actress says she is so happy that a character she played has become almost iconic. “I never fully realized just how iconic the chatacter of Ms Braganza was till I realised that even the new generation is obsessed by it and is also able to recite my dialogues at the drop of a hat. It almost becomes embarrassing because I myself hardly recall what I said in the film. Nonetheless it is heartwarming to see how much people love the character and it stillis such a loved character. And I don’t want to spoil the fun but there maybe a surprise coming in the next few months; but ssshhhhhh, mums the word for now,” she says with a laugh.
Without a certain amount of freedom of speech humour gets curtailed
Archana, who has been part of quite a few comedy shows and also comic characters feels comedy and humour is not getting its due freedom of speech and is not evolving as it should. “There is a certain amount of self censorship that is expected of all comedies nowadays and to me that seems a little less freedom than what one had earlier. Today one has to be very politically correct because terms like ‘misogyny’ and ‘rascism’ are familiar ones and trolls on social media are quick to use them in attacking comic artistes. There is a newfound ‘wokeness’ that advocates sensitivity to topics that earlier used to be fodder for comedy. I’m not saying that one should be insensitive in comedy but at the same time if one cannot poke fun at society and certain taboo topics then it is difficult to create humour because showing irreverence for typically sacred subjects is at the core for a certain type of satire or humour. I feel without a certain amount of freedom of speech humour gets curtailed which further curtails its growth or evolution,” says Archana.
Parmeet and I leave our sons to find their own way in the industry
Mother to two sons, Archana hopes that her sons too see success as actors in the industry. Although the young men do seek advise from their parents, Archana says, she and her husband have let the boys carve their own destiny. “My sons Aaryamann and Ayushmaan are both keen in making a career as actors and they have both studied acting in New York. In fact Ayushmaan has even performed in Atul Mongia’s directorial short film titled Friends. Both Aary and Ayush are auditioning regularly for several casting agents in Mumbai and have been short listed for more than a few roles each. Let’s see which one bags a role first! Over time, I’ve seen them grow into young, confident and competent actors so it is only a matter of time before they are seen on a screen. Parmeet and I leave them to find their own way in the industry. There is huge competition now and they will have to struggle to find their own footing but that is a challenge which they will have to face and win on their own steam,” she says.
Archana Puran Singh turns 59; reveals about her hilarious experience with Amitabh Bachchan
8:08 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 26, 2021)
Archana Puran Singh doesn’t understand why people hide their age. More so, if they are in showbiz. The actor, who turns 59 today, shares that many people also hide their real birthday and celebrate being of the same age over and over again. “In the 40 years of my career, I have never had a secretary or agent. I just had one manager, Jeet, but for a brief period. When people used to ask my age, I’d say 20 or 21. She (manager) would stop me. I’d say, ‘It’s just 20, not 40’. She’d reply, ‘Nahin, aaj 20 bologe toh log hisaab lagayenge 10 saal baad 30 hai’. This was the general trend,” recounts Singh.
Today, when all the information is readily available on the internet, the actor feels that it will be a task to hide one’s real age. “You can just search everything. I don’t believe in hiding my age,” she shares and laughs, “What do they think, children are 25 and you’re still 16?(sic).”
Recalling the first birthday party she threw after becoming an actor, she says, “I was at a restaurant, adjusting my dress... the door opened, and someone entered with a huge bouquet. I couldn’t see and asked, ‘Kaun laya hai?’ and suddenly from behind came a voice, ‘Hum laaye hain’. It turned out to be Amit ji (Amitabh Bachchan). I was like, ‘Amit ji aap 7 baje aa gaye’, he said, ‘Aapne 7 baje bulaya toh hum 7 baje hi aayenge na!’(laughs)”.
Salman Khan can take a joke on himself-Archana Puran Singh
8:00 AM
Smita Poojary (DNA; August 20, 2019)
Archana Puran Singh recently made a comeback on television by replacing Navjot Singh Sidhu as the permanent celeb guest on The Kapil Sharma Show (TKSS). She says about the reunion with Kapil and team, “In the beginning, it was like a guest visiting old friends and family. Gradually, I turned into a permanent member again and it was back to the way they always were. They never stopped pulling my leg or taking digs at me. So, it’s been fantastic.”
Excerpts from a chat with the actress...
How does it feel to be back on TV after a long time? Were you a fan of the show before being a part of it?
My history with Kapil goes back to Comedy Circus. I’ve been his colleague, well-wisher and a huge fan. So, when TKSS started, I was still judging that show and that time, they took Navjot Singh Sidhu. When Sidhu went away for about two weeks, Kapil called me for two episodes. When he had to leave again for his election campaign, I was called for a couple of episodes. I was excited to be back because the backstage and onstage teams are pretty much the same as Comedy Circus. It was a sort of reunion and a lot of comfort working with Kapil and the team.
Krushna Abhishek and Kapil crack a lot of joke about you replacing Sidhu...
This joke has been going on since Comedy Circus days. The show went on for about eight years. I was the judge and there were two others -- from Satish Shah to Shekhar Suman to Arbaaz Khan, Johny Lever and Rohit Shetty -- who kept changing; but I was constant. They used to make fun of me saying, ‘Yeh judges ko kha jaati hai’. Now, Sidhu has exited and I’m on The Kapil Sharma Show, so, they’ve gone crazy again. These jibes are just for humour and people are enjoying them.
How is it working with the Salman Khan as a producer?
As a producer, Salman does not come to the set every day. He came for the promotions of his film Bharat and we saw each other at the time. But, yes, working with him means there’s the comfort of having somebody who is an old friend. We have known each other for years. So, it’s like working in a company that your friend owns; there is always security, knowing that you’re in safe hands. And Salman is such a good-hearted human being. He is the most chilled-out actor and takes jokes on himself so well. In an industry where egos are so big, there are very few actors who can take the failure of a film and laugh at themselves.
You have lent your voice to Zeta in The Angry Birds Movie 2. How was that experience?
Before dubbing for it, I had a viral fever but couldn’t back out. So, I went and checked my voice. The team said it sounded all good. I put in extra effort to make sure that the gruff voice did not come in the recording. It was the best experience of my life in spite of being unwell because doing something new and different is always exciting and I love challenges.
Having worked in movies, television, and reality shows, how would you describe your career?
It’s been a long, fruitful, rewarding and beautiful journey. I’m so blessed that I’ve had so many different roles to play. It has been 38 years now! My identity is so entrenched as an actor and celebrity on television that I cannot imagine a life where I’m not part of the industry. The fact that the industry has welcomed me even though I was an outsider and even after almost four decades is still giving me love and work every year makes me feel so happy.
I don’t know if I am replacing Navjot Singh Sidhu on Kapil Sharma’s show permanently-Archana Puran Singh
8:16 AM
The actress talks about the controversy around Navjot Singh Sidhu & Kapil SharmaTanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; February 20, 2019)
While there are reports claiming that Archana Puran Singh has replaced former cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on The Kapil Sharma Show, the actress says nothing has been finalised yet.Kapil, too, came out in support of Singh and said that while he is with the government, banning or replacing Sidhu is not the solution. Since then, ‘Boycott Kapil Sharma’ has been trending on Twitter and not just that, fans have asked Salman Khan (producer of the show), to take strict action against Kapil for this.
We spoke to Archana about the entire controversy and she said, “Clearly, social media has become so big today that one has to be very careful before commenting or expressing their opinion on any issue.”
‘It is important that people’s sentiments are not hurt. Whatever you wish to express should be expressed in a responsible manner. I don’t know if I am replacing Sidhu permanently. I had shot for two episodes because he was busy with his political commitments. In the past too, many times when Sidhu had other commitments, I had stepped in for him on the show. Kapil and I go back a long way; I have known him from the time he was a participant on Comedy Circus. Kapil, his entire team and the channel are family for me. So, when your family needs you, you can’t say no to them. If the channel and makers want me to step in, I will do so,” says Archana.Meanwhile, Kapil Sharma has been criticised on social media for supporting Sidhu and saying that banning or replacing him is not the solution. Ask Archana about this controversy and she says, “I would not like to express my views on what happened and whether someone should have commented on the current situation in the country, but I have a strong stand. Whenever our country is in conflict with any other nation, I will strongly stand by what my country, the government, the Prime Minister and opposition leaders feel is in the best interests of the nation. And this is not because the concerned person has said something, this is my belief that I will not have any other stand but to support my country.”
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