Archana Puran Singh says she is finally getting the time to return to acting projects after years of being tied up with television comedy shows. Known for films like Raja Hindustani, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Bol Bachchan, Archana admitted she had missed acting for quite a few decades.

“Earlier, when roles used to come to me, they’d say, ‘Ma’am, we have to shoot in Mauritius for 20 days, in Scotland for 25 days.’ I never could, because I was doing 104 episodes of The Kapil Sharma Show on TV,” she said.

With The Great Indian Kapil Show now following a seasonal OTT format, the actor says things have changed. “Fortunately for me, the show is now seasonal. So in between seasons, Kapil and I have time to explore other avenues. Now I am able to accept roles as an actor because we have seasons… There is more time for me to say yes.”

Archana also spoke about taking on new projects. “I just did Toaster with Rajkummar Rao. There’s a series with Kay Kay Menon called Aadarsh Baal Vidyalay. There’s another film I’m doing with Vikrant Massey. Now I’m kind of rediscovering more opportunities as an actress.”

For years, Kapil Sharma has been the face of laughter in Indian homes – a comedian who turned everyday observation into prime-time television. In one of his most candid conversations yet, Kapil opens up about family, loss, fatherhood, depression, and the quiet need to do work that will one day make his children proud. He also puts an end to the rumours of a biopic on him.

While reports suggested that a biopic is being made on Kapil’s life, the comedian refutes the speculations. “Those people are actually our friends, the producers. They wanted to make it. But I feel I’ve just begun to understand life properly. What biopic will they make right now? So no, I don’t think so – not at this point. Maybe someday in the future,” he clarifies.

He is equally unguarded about what such a film would or wouldn’t hide. “Once you become a public figure, whatever happens in your life reaches people anyway. Everything in my life has reached people – the good and the bad,” he adds.

Looking back, Kapil sees his life not as a rise-and-fall graph, but as a series of phases, each with its own meaning. “Every phase had its own charm. Childhood was different. When my father was there, that phase was different. After he passed away in 2004, life went completely off track. Then I got another chance on TV and came back on track. At 36, depression hit me hard and I went completely down. People started saying, ‘He’s finished.’ Then I got married. Then the show came back. Then I did 300+ episodes again,” he recalls.

Perspective, he says, came with time. “I think the only certainty in life is uncertainty. You just keep working with good intentions, and good things keep happening,” he explains.

Talking about his father, Kapil gets emotional. “The past never changes. Those who have gone won’t come back. When I won the trophy (The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Season 3) and got a cheque of Rs. 10 lakh, I cried thinking… If my father were here today,” he says.

He remembers a quiet moment soon after his show (The Kapil Sharma Show) became a nightly ritual. “When my show started, I remember standing quietly outside my house at 9 pm. In every house in the society, TVs were on, and I could hear people’s laughter. I thought to myself, if papa were alive, how happy he’d be. I miss him every day, but some moments hit harder,” he shares.

Kapil’s career, he says, was never mapped out in straight lines. “I came here to become a singer. Then somewhere along the way, I thought, let’s become an actor. I did serious roles, then came into comedy almost by accident. An actor always has that hunger – that another side of him should also come out. But our industry, or maybe human nature is such that people see you doing one thing and assume that’s all you can do. Comedy is acting, and honestly, comedy is more difficult,” he says.

Ask him about what lies ahead and he says, “Life has been long, difficult, fun, messy. Work-wise, I feel blessed. My hobby became my profession. What bigger gift from God can there be? I’m excited about what lies ahead.”

Fatherhood, Kapil admits, has changed how he makes his choices. “Sometimes I think that I want to do a certain kind of work so that when my children grow up, they can see that I didn’t just do light or superficial things all my life. Like the film, Zwigato (2022), that I did with Nandita Das, it made my heart feel good. I knew commercially it wouldn’t do anything. But it was a good subject, and I did it because tomorrow when my kids grow up, they shouldn’t feel that their father spent his entire life doing meaningless things – he also did work of substance,” he says.​

Indian over-the-top (OTT) platforms are diversifying their content offerings not just to attract new audiences, but also to retain them in an increasingly competitive landscape.

As user attention spans shrink and viewer fatigue sets in due to content overload, platforms are adopting new content formats to keep audiences engaged. One of the most notable shifts is the anticipated rise of microdramas—bite-sized, mobile-first series that originated in China.

Industry executives note that these tightly packed narratives are designed for on-the-go consumption, aligning perfectly with India’s mobile-first audience. All major OTT platforms are now actively working on their microdrama strategies.

"Microdramas are a natural response to India’s mobile-first audience and evolving viewing habits," says Mautik Tolia, MD of Bodhitree Multimedia. "They offer instant connection and fit seamlessly into our daily lives."

Tolia views the format not as a passing trend but as a foundation for future storytelling, especially in a market defined by linguistic diversity and widespread smartphone use.

While microdramas represent a shift in form, Korean dramas are reshaping content preferences. Prime Video’s recent multi-year deal with CJ ENM highlights the growing demand for K-content in India. Platforms like Netflix already boast strong Korean content libraries, with global hits like Squid Game leading the way.

Amogh Dusad, Director and Head of Content at Amazon MX Player, said that OTT platforms must adapt to evolving audience preferences in a rapidly changing digital landscape. MX Player is placing big bets on Korean dramas, anime, and serialized microdramas through its upcoming ‘MX Fatafat’ initiative, which will feature short, two-minute episodes.

"By experimenting with a variety of genres and formats, we ensure our content reflects the global nature of today’s entertainment while remaining grounded in the tastes and preferences of the Indian audience. As we enter the next phase of growth, we’re also enhancing our library with a wide array of shows across genres," he said.

Meanwhile, Netflix is tapping into nostalgia to expand its viewer base. By adding iconic Indian TV shows like CID, global phenomena like WWE, and comedy programs such as The Great Indian Kapil Show, it is drawing in established fan communities.

“Indian digital and OTT platforms are leveraging Korean dramas and micro content due to their rising popularity, cost-effectiveness, and strong audience appeal,” said media analyst Rajesh Sethi. “K-dramas offer relatable themes, high production quality, and concise storytelling that resonates well with Indian viewers.”

He added that digital platforms benefit from affordable licensing costs, diverse content offerings, and increased viewer engagement—particularly among younger, mobile-first audiences.

For Netflix, content such as CID, The Kapil Sharma Show, and WWE serves to broaden its reach, particularly among audiences in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, Sethi said.

According to Media Partners Asia, video content investments are expected to grow from $6.7 billion in 2024 to $8.8 billion by 2028, with online video (excluding sports) accounting for a quarter of that spends.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Since 2013, actor Sumona Chakravarti had been a part of the main cast of Kapil Sharma’s comedy show, during its TV run, first as Comedy Nights with Kapil and then The Kapil Sharma Show. However, in the recent OTT version, The Great Indian Kapil Show, Chakravarti has been noticeably absent.

The actor addressed this in a recent interview. “One project finished, so [Sharma] began another project, and I am doing another. That’s all there is,” she said.

However, we have learnt that she is “upset” about being excluded. “She expected the entire cast would be retained for the digital version,” a source tells us, adding, “She always thought that the jokes about her dialogue delivery were limited to having fun on the show. She never thought that it would affect casting.”

Currently, Chakravarti is shooting for Khatron Ke Khiladi 14. “[Her exclusion from the show] is the reason Sumona took KKK 14. Kapil’s show was the primary thing connected with her body of work for almost a decade,” the insider adds.

We reached out to both Chakravarti and Sharma for a comment, but didn’t get a response till the time of going to press.

The Kapil Sharma Show went off air from TV last year, as the comedian transitioned into OTT with The Great Indian Kapil Show. The void left by the show on TV was filled temporarily by Madness Machayenge - India Ko Hasayenge (MMIKH), featuring actor Huma Qureshi as a guest. However, it failed to connect with the audience. Now, the channel has reportedly brought comedian-actor Zakir Khan on board to fill the gap with a new show. We have exclusively learnt details about the format and release date.

A source close to the development says, “Zakir’s show will have a mix of shayari and comedy, which is typical Zakir style. The comedian has built his own audience that connects with his shayarana side, and with this show, he aims to reach a wider audience. MMIKH is currently on, but it’s expected to wrap up soon. Zakir’s show is likely to air from August.”

The source adds that besides shayari and comedy, “the show will also have Bollywood guests, similar to the format of Kapil’s show. The line up of guests for Zakir’s show is yet to be finalized”. This marks Khan’s second outing on TV after he did the fifth season of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge as a mentor in 2017.

Actor-comedian Kapil Sharma alerted his fans, on Wednesday, about a fake advertisement that has been circulating on social media. The ad claims to be selling tickets for his TV show, The Kapil Sharma Show (TKSS), for Rs. 4,999 with a free drink and popcorn.

Responding to a fan who tagged him to verify if the ad was genuine, Sharma wrote on X that the show doesn’t charge a “single penny” from audiences. “This used to happen earlier as well... It’s like a ritual for fraudsters when the show goes on a break. But, we give a disclaimer after every episode to protect them (viewers),” a source close to the development tells us, adding that a woman was once fooled into paying ₹40,000 for tickets.

He reveals that the audience is selected “on the basis of a guest list”, adding, “There are team references or fan clubs of actors and Kapil himself. It is all free for them.”

Archana Puran Singh, 60, refused to be silenced when a troll on Instagram attempted to ridicule her appearance recently. On Monday, Singh shared a photograph of herself with her husband, actor-director Parmeet Sethi, during their trip to Switzerland. While most of the comments poured in with love and positivity, one particular comment stood out, targeting Singh’s appearance.

The now-deleted comment read, “Woman kam, man zyada lag rahi ho. Kapil sahi kehta hai bohot time laga hoga aapko roop parivartan karne mein”. Refusing to let such negativity go unanswered, Singh responded to the troll, “Kitni ghatiya soch rakhti ho itni kam umar mein....”

“My trolls are the most vella (idle), useless people on this planet,” Singh tells us, while acknowledging that she doesn’t expect everyone on social media to like her: “But at least do not comment on somebody’s (appearance) and say that ‘you look like a man’. Saying (something like that) to degrade a human is appalling.”

While Singh “typically avoids engaging with trolls”, she explains why she felt compelled to respond in this particular instance.

“Sometimes, a reply from a celebrity helps to reinforce a good social message. Maybe a lot of people will read my reply and understand the point I am trying to make [and try to be careful about their words and actions going forward],” stresses Singh, who is known for her role of Miss Braganza in the 1998 film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

She adds, “I have moved on after my reply, but I am sure that girl got her two minutes of fame.”

Ask her if she feels people might have felt comfortable making such comments given her association with The Kapil Sharma Show, where she is often subjected to tongue-in-cheek remarks, and Singh defends: “When Kapil (Sharma, host) says it, it is full of humour, love and naughtiness. Comedy is meant to be irreverent and it has to underline certain things for the purpose of humour. It is not meant to hurt anybody. Don’t look at a comedy show and think that he is giving a social message.”

Actor Atul Parchure, 56, recently spoke on a talk show that he was diagnosed with cancer and is currently going through treatment. The All The Best (2009) actor tells us that his last cycle of chemotherapy “will end this month”. “I am close to being a cancer free person,” he boasts.

After a month-long of symptoms when Atul reached out to the doctors in December, he got to know that he had cancer. “I had the confidence that I would get out of this. I never even bothered to ask which stage of cancer I had. I never felt the danger that I would die,” he tells. In the process, Atul lost 20 Kgs due to the ailment. “I didn’t feel bad that I lost weight, I know I can gain it back,” he says.

The past eight months have been “difficult” for Atul and the family – comprising his mother, daughter and wife, whom he calls his “three pillars”. In the meantime, Atul was certain that he didn’t want the world to know about his condition. “It’s my battle, why to involve others in it? Now I can talk about it as we are almost through it,” he says. While he was battling the big C in the hospital, there were a few murmurs that did knock his door. He shares, “When I was in hospital, there were rumours that I only had six months left. But they never bothered me. People talk anything on WhatsApp university.”

The R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya actor admits that “it was easy” for him to accept the cancer. “I was mentally prepared that something was wrong with me,” he recalls. While he had a positive attitude, not having work did give him “sleepless nights”.

“Aisa nahi hai ki bure khyaal dimaag mein nahi aaye. I had so many sleepless nights, thinking about when I will resume work. On the one hand the income stopped, and the expenditure started. And the outflow of money for cancer is tremendous. Which is why it is important to have Mediclaim. I was partly saved by my Mediclaim, and partly by my savings, otherwise it would have been very difficult. Also, I did not feel dejected. My family never treated me like a patient,” he elaborates.

Atul, who was a regular in The Kapil Sharma Show, lost a few months of shoot. However, he tells us that for the last episodes of the season, he shot in the month of June while still recuperating from the disease. “Kapil knew about my condition, and he said we will welcome your comeback,” the actor adds.

Currently resting, Atul proudly boasts, “I fought the battle bravely.”

Actor Atul Parchure, who has been a part of The Kapil Sharma Show for many years, recently revealed he is suffering from cancer. The 56-year-old is currently undergoing treatment for the health condition, which was diagnosed when a tumour was found in his liver.

Prachure tells us he has already received five months of initial treatment and “the imminent danger is over” now. The actor also expresses gratitude towards all those who have been showering him with love. “Only when you are unwell do you realize how many people love you. Meri family ab 100 logon ki hai,” he says.

The Jago Mohan Pyaare actor decided to speak about his illness to spread awareness. “I want people to know about the importance of health insurance. There are so many who feel it is not needed. I was able to pay my hospital bills through insurance and my savings,” he states. 

Keeping an optimistic view of life the actor shares, “I feel like life is about good and bad days. You have to face everything in equal measure.” Prachure is now looking forward to working again. “Hopefully, in August, I will be back on set,” he ends.

We’ve all grooved to Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper Rema’s superhit song, Calm Down, and its remix version, also featuring Selena Gomez, at least once since its release last year. On his world tour, the Afrobeats star made a pit stop in India. While his debut concerts in Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad were sellouts, Rema couldn’t leave without making an appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show.

The rapper embraced everything about India—from the crowd that chanted his name at the airport to his concerts to the crowded streets of Delhi that caused massive traffic. Throughout his multi-city India tour, the singer wore outfits designed by Manish Malhotra.

For the comedy show, set to air on May 28, he turned up in a black and gold pantsuit also created by Malhotra. “Coming to India has been such a thrilling experience for me. The people here are amazing—so nice, helpful, and welcoming. Everywhere I went, they embraced me like their own. It felt like I was home. The immense love that I have received from this country and its fans will forever be cherished,” said the rapper, who believes his India tour would have been incomplete had he not come on The Kapil Sharma Show.

Fascinated with Indian cinema, Rema tried parroting dialogues from Allu Arjun’s Pushpa, although not too eloquently and with a heavy accent. The singer joined Sharma to croon the song, Chalte Chalte Mere Yeh Geet Yaad Rakhna, despite the language barrier. He left everyone enthralled and in splits.

“[I am] grateful to Kapil, my brother, for making me a part of this extravaganza and for being an amazing host. My India trek came full circle after [appearing on this show],” says the 23-year-old Afro-Rave warrior.

A midst speculations over his return to The Kapil Sharma Show (TKSS), we can now tell you that Krushna Abhishek, best known for his portrayal of Sapna on the show, will give the ongoing season a miss. Krushna, who has been a part of Kapil’s show for four years, opted out of the current season, owing to contractual issues. The makers approached him around 10 days ago to reconsider his decision, but the talks remained inconclusive.

In an exclusive chat with BT, Krushna says, “Yes, I received a call from the makers of TKSS recently. They wanted me back. However, we couldn’t reach a conclusion owing to monetary and contractual differences for the second time. Baat paise par hi aakar atki hai phir se.”

While he hopes to return to the show in the future, he rules out the possibility of joining the current season. He says, “It won’t happen this season. Hopefully, I will return in the next season. Kapil and Krushna together again will be a treat for the audience, won’t it?”

Meanwhile, there is buzz about the show ending in June, but the actor says he is not aware of any such possibility.

He adds, “I have no information on this. I love the show and am extremely fond of the makers. It’s always been a great association with them. I have missed being a part of TKSS. I am quite attached to Archana ji (Archana Puran Singh) and Kapil. I have had a 15-year-long association with Archana ji. I must admit that I wasn’t close to Kapil when I joined the show, but now that I worked and spent time with him, I have grown extremely fond of him.”

Every exit from The Kapil Sharma Show leads to several theories, including Kapil being insecure about his colleague’s growing popularity.

Shooting down these rumours outright, Krushna says, “Kapil is often subjected to baseless rumours. If he had not wanted me to shine, I would not have lasted on the show for four years. Many celebrities have complimented me on my act. He could have easily edited the portions if he had any issues with me. He doesn’t bother about these things and is an extremely secure artiste. He knows that when one performer shines, it benefits the entire show. Ultimately, it is teamwork. We have been extremely supportive and encouraging of each other’s talent and work. Kapil is a darling. I had a great time working with him on the show and he enjoyed it, too. He takes pride in my successes, just as I do when it comes to him. There is no room for negativity and our detractors should stop looking for it.”

One of the highlights of the Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan trailer is Salman Khan’s fight sequence in the metro. Recently, as part of the run-up to the movie’s release, when the superstar and cast members shot for an episode of The Kapil Sharma Show, the host noted that the actor has had several famous action set-pieces in a train, including in Wanted (2009) and Pathaan.

When Sharma asked him about the last time he travelled in a train, Khan went back to his college years, recounting how he would take the local to St Xavier’s College in Fort.

Sharing an anecdote, the superstar said, “We used to travel by train to college, but sometimes, we felt like travelling comfortably. So, one day, I decided to take a taxi. But the fun part was that I did not have any money. I stopped the driver a lane away from my college and told him that I would get the money, but I never returned.”

The actor, known for his generosity today, could not afford to pay the cab driver at the time. As luck would have it, a few years later, their paths crossed again. Khan said, “Eventually, I got into modelling and started earning quite well. So, once, I decided to take a taxi back home. Throughout the journey, the driver kept saying that he had seen me somewhere before. When I reached home, I told him that I will [go upstairs and] get the money. That’s when it struck him and he immediately recognized me. We both had a laugh about the incident, but I made sure to pay back the due fare, with interest.”

Give Tabu a scene, and she is likely to knock it out of the park. But she admits that action sequences are not her cup of tea. It turns out that the actor, who leads Bholaa alongside Ajay Devgn, was tricked into performing stunts in the actioner. She made the revelation when she shot for the upcoming episode of The Kapil Sharma Show, along with actor-director Devgn and Deepak Dobriyal. On the show, Tabu recalled being initially worried about having to explore action in the film.

“It was the first day of the shoot of my action sequence. So, I was scared. Ajay came to me and said that he would only take close-up shots, and that the rest of the action would be done by my body double. After he said this, I was relaxed,” she recounted. Little did she know about the turn of events that awaited her. In his bid to make the stunts look authentic, Devgn decided to do away with body doubles.

Tabu shared, “I was in my vanity van when Ajay’s assistant came to me with a harness and cable. I was confused about what was happening. He said, ‘The boss has decided that all the stunts will be done by you. He has instructed to give these harnesses to you.’ I tried to make excuses, but Ajay had solutions for everything. That is how I ended up doing the stunts in Bholaa.” Devgn’s directorial venture is a remake of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Tamil hit, Kaithi (2019).

Sometimes, the heartbreaking truths of life are told to us through comedy. So, it shouldn’t really be surprising that India’s most loved comic is bringing to us a poignant story. With Zwigato, Kapil Sharma and filmmaker Nandita Das have put the spotlight on a section of the population that is almost invisibilised. The actor realized he was on to something special the moment Das narrated the story to him.

“People mostly approach me for comedies. I have been doing the same kind of work over the past 15 years. Zwigato was a chance to show my versatility,” begins the actor.

In Zwigato, also starring Shahana Goswami, Sharma plays a food delivery agent who struggles to put food on plate for his family. The daily life of an underprivileged worker spoke to his humble beginnings.

“Honestly, if I were offered the role of a scientist, doctor or businessman, I may have felt uncomfortable. But I come from this world. I haven’t worked as a delivery boy, but I have worked as a helper in Coca-Cola.”

The actor adds that the movie, while highlighting how the working class is exploited, underlines that empathy and respect go a long way in lessening their burden.

Many were surprised by the coming together of two seemingly different worlds, as Das and Sharma joined forces. For the actor, however, working on the human drama felt as natural as a comedy gig. “Both of us are human beings on the same planet. We share the same emotions,” reasons the actor, adding that he surrendered to the world created by his director.

“While making this film, we did nothing else. I shot bank episodes for my show [The Kapil Sharma Show] so that I could fully concentrate on the film.”

The comic-actor has long been a fan of the director’s brave stories, and was happy that Das turned out to be exactly how he had perceived her through her art. “She took time to conceive the story and thoughtfully cast me. Seeing [her dedication], I also put my heart and soul into it. I knew she makes films because she is passionate [about the subjects], and not to make money. She gets involved in each and every department. I learnt a lot from her, even in the littlest of things.”

On January 23, cricketer K L Rahul and actor Athiya Shetty tied the knot at Shettys’ Khandala farmhouse, beginning a new chapter of their love story. Little is known about their romance as the couple had kept it largely away from the public glare. It turns out Suniel Shetty too was initially unaware of his daughter’s blossoming friendship with the cricketer. On a recently-shot episode of The Kapil Sharma Show, the senior actor revealed how he first met Rahul at an airport in 2019.

The senior actor shot for the comedy show, as part of the promotions for his upcoming MMA show Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt. Suniel was joined by wrestlers The Great Khali, Mahavir Phogat and mixed martial artist Ritu Phogat on the episode. After discussing the upcoming reality show, host Kapil Sharma steered the conversation to Suniel, asking him about his first meeting with his son-in-law. 

Recounting the chance meeting, the senior actor shared, “I had the pleasure of meeting Rahul first at an airport. I was thrilled to learn that he was from Mangalore, my hometown. I was a big fan of him, and was happy to see that he was doing well. When I came home and shared the news with Athiya and Mana, they didn’t say much; they just exchanged looks with each other. Later, Mana came to me and said that Athiya and Rahul [were on] talking terms.”

What was Suniel’s reaction to that? He was thrilled, says the senior actor. After all, he was keen that Athiya meet boys who hailed from a similar cultural background. “I was surprised that Athiya had not mentioned it to me. [At the same time], I was happy as I always told Athiya to connect with south Indian boys,” he recounted.

Suniel was pleased to know that the cricketer, in his growing-up years, stayed close to the actor’s ancestral house. “Rahul’s house in Mangalore [where his parents live] is only a few kilometres away from my birthplace [Mulki]. So, this was a happy coincidence.”

Chandan Prabhakar, who was seen in the new season of The Kapil Sharma Show over the weekend, will not be a part of future episodes. So, what prompted Chandan to opt out of the show?

When we reached out to the actor-comedian, he said, “I was seen in the first episode, but post that, I will be absent in the current season. I have been a part of the show for the last five years and it was about time that I took a break. I feel when you are part of a project for a long time, it becomes important to take a break and focus on other things. I am hoping to act in a web show and also spend quality time with my family.”

When asked why he chose to take a break after the first episode, he said, “Many times, a person is in two minds whether to do a project or not. I was unsure about doing the show, so after the first episode, I made up my mind. People should not assume anything — all is well otherwise.”

Chandan added that the format of the show is different this time. He shared, “There are many new actors this year and I am glad that the makers are doing something different. They know best about what needs to change and what will appeal to viewers. I am happy that the show is looking different and is entertaining.”

We also asked him about Krushna Abhishek not being a part of this season, but Chandan did not want to comment on it. “I am aware that Krushna is also not going to be part of the show, but I don’t want to say anything about that. I am only focusing on my work ahead. I want to act and do other things, so a break was ideal for me.”

When actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui unveiled the first look of his upcoming, Haddi, this morning, little could anyone have anticipated the avalanche of reactions it would garner. Nawaz’s look is not only being appreciated for a gender-defying makoever, but also for its uncanny, and probably unintentional, resemblance to an everyday television personality synonymous with primetime comedy shows.

Neither by design nor by default, Archana Puran Singh found herself to be at the receiving end of comparisons to Nawaz’s look.

In the official trailer released on Nawazuddin’s Instagram, the actor can be seen sitting in a diva-esque pose in a shimmery low-cut dress as he bleeds from his right hand while resting his bejwelled left hand near his face. Kohl-lined eyes and a bold red lip finish his look. The side-parted hair and the posture led many to believe that it was Archana Puran Singh making another entry into films.

But being the sport that she is, Archana had only nice things to say about the comparisons. “It’s the hairstyle which has become synonymous with me that is causing all these comparisons. I’ve used this side-parted look during the early part of Kapil show (The Kapil Sharma Show),” she replied over a Whatsapp text.

When asked about how she feels about the comparisons, she says, “All I can say is its a huge compliment to be compared to Nawaz in ANY way possible.”

Well, now that’s called taking things in one’s stride.

Fourteen years ago, Ali Asgar participated in the dance reality show, Zara Nachke Dikha. The artiste-comedian is back on TV with another dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (JDJ) 10. He will be seen performing as Daadi – the iconic character from Kapil Sharma’s comedy show – in the initial episodes of the dance reality show. In an interview with BT, the actor talks about his reasons for taking up JDJ, fighting stereotypes and his decision to quit Kapil Sharma’s show. Excerpts…

I still don’t call myself a dancer and I don’t know whether I can dance. However, I have a sound understanding of tune and rhythm. I believe in entertaining, which isn’t just comedy. I have told my choreographer to design dance performances that suit me. My attempt is that till the time I last on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, do-chaar chauke maar ke nikalne ki koshish karenge taaki logo ko yaad rahe.

Yes, but then even legendary actors have been typecast. However, whenever they have played a serious character, people have resonated and cried with them. I should get the opportunity to showcase my versatility. My image as a comedian is so strong that it has become like a baggage and people don’t consider me for any other role. Woh mujhe auraton ke libaas ke baahar dekh hi nahi paa rahe and they doubt whether I will be able to play something else. Only a handful of producers have shown their belief in me by giving me an opportunity to explore other shades as an artiste. How do we change this mindset? In fact, I stayed away from TV for a long time fearing that people might think I was happy doing just comedy.

Yes, of course. However, it tends to get monotonous. It’s not that I had any qualms about playing female characters but I also wanted to play something else.

I wasn’t creatively satisfied, as my character (Naani) wasn’t growing. I had intimated the team about it even before going to Australia (2017). I had a lot to perform as Daadi, which wasn’t the case with Naani’s character. Par uss waqt itna raayta phail gaya tha (unfortunately, the fallout between Kapil and Sunil Grover took place at the same time) ki kuchh log baat ko uss taraf le gaye aur kuchh doosri taraf. Itna kuchh ho gaya tha ki kya safaai dena aur kya bolna.

We missed each other’s calls back then and there was a communication gap. With time, both of us moved on. But I am happy that I was a part of it and I learned a lot from him. I will always respect him. He understands the pulse of the audience and knows how to hold a show.

I completely agree that I couldn’t recreate the success in projects that followed. Ho sakta hai shows mein woh baat nahi thi ya performance mein kuchh kami hogi. Complaining about it now is a futile exercise. There is always a lot to analyse. However, I don’t have any regrets. I had a reason to quit and it wasn’t an overnight decision. If the intent was to earn money, I would have still continued on the show.