Saurav Mehta and Prashasti Singh are two stand-up comedians who have gained massive popularity after the first season of Comicstaan by Amazon Prime. Both of them were earlier in corporate jobs and had no plans to take up comedy as a career. But destiny had other plans for them and after the first season of Comicstaan, they both grew to be really popular names in the art of stand-up comedy.
Q) How has the journey been for both of you so far, both before and after ‘Comicstaan’?
Saurav – Well, it’s been amazing, to be honest. It has been fascinating for me. To be honest, I didn’t think I would take up comedy as a career but everything has been good so far. Just the fact that people come to see us whenever we perform is just amazing. When people say they look upto us when it comes to performing stand-up comedy, it is really amazing. So yeah, it’s been great that way and looking for things to go smooth ahead.
Prashasti – Well, it’s pretty much the same for me as well, to be honest. To add to that, I come from a space where I actually didn’t see too many women taking up stand-up comedy earlier. So now when I see young girls asking me about it and how to go forward and all, it feels amazing. So the journey has been quite good so far.
Q) Was this fascination towards comedy there since childhood or did it develop as you grew up?
Saurav –Well, for me the thing was probably there. I used to always be the funny guy in office. Even during presentations in office, the humour element would come in and a bit of humour always helps (laughs). But never did I think of taking it as a profession. Things just followed on their own.
Prashasti – Yeah, I mean the funny element was always there. But never did I think of taking it up as a profession. ‘Comicstaan’ helped a great deal in building our reach and now that people follow us on social media and follow our work, it is really pleasing.
Q) What were your favourite tv shows which you used to love?
Saurav – I used to love ‘Friends’. I have seen that time and again and now even after we have grown up, it still feels extremely special. Also, shows like ‘Mr. Bean’. Pogo channel was a thing when we were growing up. Really fond memories.
Prashasti – Well, for me, it was more of the ‘desi’ flavour (blushes). My first exposure to comedy was probably with the amazing funny movies of Govinda sir. Bollywood’s share of comedy was what I loved back then.
Q) What was your first exposure to stand-up comedy on Indian Television?
Saurav – Well, shows like the ‘Great Indian Laughter Challenge’ and all showed that there’s something here for stand up comedians. That gave me a lot of belief. Glad more such shows are coming which are giving exposure and a platform to young talents.
Prashasti – Pretty much the same. As I said, I came from a place where I didn’t see many women taking up stand-up comedy. So it was a challenge in itself. But I am glad that the scenario is getting better and we have more opportunities.
Q) Lastly, would you both want to have a comedy show for yourselves on tv or OTT?
Saurav – Well, why not? But to be very honest, I feel I don’t deserve it at the moment. That will take some amount of good work but after some years, if something like that happens, I would love to.
Prashasti – Yeah of course. Although to stay in the present, I will need to work a lot more and do good and solid work. But after some years, if something like that happens, it would be amazing and I would love to have a show like that for myself. All depends on how hard I work.