Page 26 - MASALA LITE ISSUE 84 | SEPTEMBER2017

26 IN FOCus
“It wasn’t one moment
that made me realise,
but rather a string of
experiences that pushed
me to take the stage as
a stand-up comic.”
MAS AL A LITE ISSUE 8 4
IN FOCUS 21
Khan
Acomedy
Temur Yusuf meets Zakir Khan
who speaks about his journey to
comedic stardom.
The rise of Indian YouTube comedians has made irreverent humour one of the most
popular outlets of entertainment for the youth. This fresh pool of bone-tickling
talent is never afraid to say what they want to, all while giving us countless hours
of clips to laugh away at. In just over a year since his breakout skit at AIB Diwas,
30-year-old Zakir Khan has become a stadium-filling brand, amassing a delirious fan
following that cuts across geographical and socioeconomic barriers. Masala chats
with this small town sakht launda (tough dude) about his journey to
comedic stardom.
You recently held a show in Bangkok on August 27th on stage. But at the same time, the audience isn’t dumb
at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit. Was this your first – they understand the sincerity of the material and
time in Thailand? laugh at it. That’s what makes it relatable, that’s what
For a show, yes! And it was exciting and overwhelming makes my experience their experience, and that’s how I
at the same time. Leading up to it, I was looking forward connect with the audience sitting in the room.
to performing, and most of all, I was excited to see the
audience. What’s your take on the current Indian comedy
scene?
From a college dropout to becoming one of the most It’s definitely flourishing. It does have its ups and downs,
decorated comedians in India, take us through the as well as the grey area, but that is how we as artists
journey of Zakir Khan. know what works and what doesn’t. Most importantly,
It’s surreal when you put it that way. But like any other the audience is now growing to understand the effort
hardworking artist, I decided to dive into my passion and the variety that this scene offers. There will be so
head first. And the path paved out with opportunities much more stimulating content in the upcoming years.
and insights that I cherish. I went from leaving my The scene is growing and taking exciting turns.
family behind to pursue a vocation that I wasn’t sure
how to go about. I had to switch cities several times What made you choose stand-up, rather than
to make it a reality. When you’re a 100 percent certain onscreen platforms such as TV?
about what you want, you’ll aim towards achieving it. It’s not entirely about the platforms. According to me,
That’s what I did. That’s what every driven artist does. the art drives the interest. If you have something strong
and noteworthy to say, you are bound to get noticed no
I remember being in splits while watching your matter which platform you pick. And people will pick up
mimicry on Indian Idol auditions many years ago. on that and talk about it.
Tell us about your relationship with music.
Music is very much an active part of my life. I come from You were sent off the stage within 90 seconds of
a house of respected musicians. In fact, my first on- your first stand-up set. How did that affect you
stage experience was as a musician and not as stand-up moving forward?
comedian. It wasn’t a very pleasant sight to begin with, but that
extra push is always needed to get back on stage. Trust
What eventually made you realise that comedy was me, it’s terrifying that you have to go back without
knowing if it’ll work this time around, but you do it
your calling?
It wasn’t one moment that made me realise, but rather anyway. That’s what matters! If you take it in the right
spirit, nothing can pull you down.
a string of experiences that pushed me to take the
stage as a stand-up comic. Like every beginner, I initially
fumbled and bombed on stage. But now, I like to think How big has writing for On Air with AIB followed
that I’ve found my mojo. by your performance at AIB Diwas been for your
career?
You have carved a niche for yourself with self- Both experiences have been remarkable for me as a
deprecation and humour found in everyday stand-up comic. With the writing bit, I not only got to
scenarios. How easy or difficult is it to convey work in a team who is self-aware and always learning
your sincerity to an audience so used to quick and and growing, but it also gave me an opportunity to
obvious punchlines? understand the webs of writing for a show. AIB Diwas,
It is difficult because as an artist, I relive that moment the breakthrough like everyone says, was my moment
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