Laughter, they say, is the best medicine for the soul, and in Bhubaneswar, this medicine has found a unique platform to be administered – live comedy concerts. As the city evolves and diversifies, its entertainment environment has seen a remarkable transition with the rise of comedy performances tailored for the public by local performers who are no less than their national-level rivals.
But, until recently, the scene was entirely different.
To give the people of Bhubaneswar a taste of national humour, top performers such as Harsh Benniwal, Zakir Khan, and Anubhav Singh Bassi had to be enlisted. However, things changed rapidly.
This reversal can be attributed to a handful of young Odisha performers.
Coming from various backgrounds, this new crop of comics has been enchanting the audience with their amusing performances. Not only is their fan base growing as a result of their wit, but the number of aspiring stand-up comedians on the circuit is also growing.
A few stand-up comics spoke with Sunday POST about Bhubaneswar’s evolving comic scene and how they won audiences’ hearts.
‘Comedy scene in city
set for an expansion’
Ace stand-up Satyavrat Mohapatra, the founder of Comedy Highway, has seven years of experience behind him. Sharing his perspectives on the rise of live comedy shows in urban areas, he says, “I believe that the extensive utilisation of social media has contributed to the increased awareness and hosting of comedy events. While there was a limited presence of comedy shows prior to the pandemic, our popularity expanded significantly afterwards. Despite belonging to Odisha, a state not much known for entertainment, our presence has grown due to the dissemination of videos on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and various other social media outlets. This growth has been registered smoothly and without any disruptive effects.”
Asked how it all started, Mohapatra, one of the key initiators of comedy culture in Odisha, adds, “At the beginning, I used to hang out a lot with my friends at Cha Khattis where we would chat and gossip. During those times, I used to make comedic remarks that made my friends laugh. This made me consider pursuing stand-up comedy. After attending a few open mic events, I began performing my comedy routines. Encouraged by some of my close friends, I formed Comedy Highway.”
According to him, Odia humour is becoming increasingly popular at the moment. Local comedians are being called to perform not just in regular shows, but also in corporate comedy events. During the epidemic, Bhubaneswar, a tier 3 city, witnessed a change in which many commoners turned into comedians. They didn’t have a large audience before, but now, with a growing need for laughter, there are an abundance of comedians accessible for amusement, he says.
Talking about what is in store for the future, the famous comic adds, “The live comedy scene in the city is poised for significant expansion in the coming years, owing primarily to the rapid growth of the IT sector.”
He also shares some advice for wannabe comedians. “It’s critical to be prepared for some difficulties. Writing scripts and refining the art of entertaining people can be more difficult than it appears. I urge that new comedians try their hand at open mic nights to polish their talents. Rather than starting with explicit jokes, focusing on generating laughter through wholesome humour will likely yield better results” Satyavrat adds.
‘Corporate shows bring
stability into profession’
Riten Pattnaik is a professional graphic designer but his passion lies in stand-up comedy.
“I have been doing it since 2017-18. A distinctive aspect of my work is the impact of the social media boom, which has attracted a diverse range of individuals to the comedy scene,” says Riten who is often seen doing corporate comedy.
Speaking about this genre, he says, “When it comes to comedic style, we prioritize a natural approach. However, the focus lies in aligning with the company’s profile, background, target age group, event type, and most importantly, the preferences and aversions of the audience.”
Riten, when quizzed why he gravitated into corporate humour, adds, “Corporate shows serve as a reliable income source for comedians, contributing to the broadening landscape of stand-up comedy culture.”
‘City’s comedy culture has
been a gradual process’
Debarchan Mishra, who has been doing stand-up comedy for four years, says, “The comedy scene in Bhubaneswar is growing really fast. People are beginning to recognise humour as an art form worthy of respect. Comedians can now create their own identities.”
Debarchan, like Riten, sees huge potential for comics in corporate shows. “The comedians are set their dues in future because of the steady growth of the corporate sector in Bhubaneswar. Many more companies are going to open offices which will undoubtedly benefit standups.”
On the emergence of corporate comedy, Debarchan points out, “The evolution of corporate comedy culture in Bhubaneswar has been a gradual progress. As the local comedy scene flourished, the corporate comedy culture also saw growth. The surge in popularity of corporate comedy shows directly correlates with the rise of local comedians’ fame. Professionals from the corporate sector attend our public shows across the city. They invite us to perform at their office events after witnessing our success.”
He is for cracking inclusive jokes at corporate shows. Justifying its need, he says, “I recall a performance for a company where the audience spanned ages 25 to 65, posing a challenge in tailoring jokes. Some resonated with the youth, while others amused the older crowd. Therefore, it is important to craft inclusive jokes for successful corporate shows.”
On how public shows are different from the corporate ones, Debarchan explains, “Public shows involve ticket-holding attendees who appreciate humour’s merit. Here, jokes are evaluated on their comedic value rather than the subject matter. Corporate gigs, however, demand a narrower approach. Political and slang-infused content is off-limits; careful communication is essential to build up a rapport. Maintaining composure is crucial. Respectful dialogue is imperative, steering clear of offence. Prudent topic selection is paramount. I often opt for family or marital humour for corporate gigs to ensure prudence. The allure of substantial pay drives comedians towards corporate performances, motivating refined, challenging, and city-benefit-enhancing comedy.”
He says that the standup comedians should focus on writing jokes involving less slang and hitting as many open mics as possible. “Everything apart, if you are in the scene, do not stop writing jokes. They should be included as a part of your daily routine. Comedy is just like any other art form. The more you practice, the more you shine,” Debarchan signs off.
‘It’s incredible how they turn everyday
situations into hilarious anecdotes’
Ananya Pradhan, who attends live comedy shows at Bhubaneswar, comments, “I have been to several live comedies hosted by stand-up comedians in the city. Attending live comedy shows in Bhubaneswar has been an absolute blast! The energy in the room is infectious, and the comedians know how to connect with the audience and keep us rolling with laughter throughout the night. The local comedians often sprinkle in relatable jokes about Bhubaneswar and its quirks, which resonate with the audience. It’s incredible how they turn regular occurrences into entertaining anecdotes that have everyone in stitches.”
She adds, “The atmosphere is always so vibrant and lively. There’s something about being part of a live audience that just can’t be replicated on a screen. The way the comedians interact with the crowd, cracking jokes about our city and its people, makes the experience feel personal and special. Of course, there’s also the thrill of the unexpected. Comedians often engage with the audience, pulling people into their routines and improvising based on the reactions they get. It’s all in good fun and adds an element of unpredictability that keeps us on our toes.”
“Bhubaneswar’s comedy scene has really grown over the years, and it’s awesome to see local talents getting their moment in the spotlight. From open mic nights to established comedy clubs, there’s always something happening. If you’re ever in Bhubaneswar, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a live comedy show – you’ll leave with aching cheeks from laughing so much,” suggests Pradhan.
MADHUSMITA SAHU, OP