TV’s funny man Kiku Sharda will soon be seen on SAB TV with a comic cop show called Partners with Johnny Lever.
Talking about sharing screen space with the veteran comedian, he says, “It is a matter of great honor to share screen space with Mr Lever. I have grown up watching his stuff. Even before his stage plays, I have heard his audio cassettes. Johnny Bhai is a pioneer of the standup scenario in India excelling not only in mimicry of film biggies but also when it comes to taking a dig on the everyday life of people.”
Kiku who has done several hit shows (The Great Indian Comedy Show, Nights with Kapil and Comedy Circus Ke Ajoobe) over the years says, “Although you need to have an inbuilt funny bone, your upbringing and responses to the world also shape a good comedian; I don’t take things seriously and am more interested in good stuff rather than being famous.”
Personally Kiku is a big fan of subtle British humor, “But yes the slapstick variety which works in India is equally good. I am happy to note that in recent times the comic films (Toilet Ek Prem Katha and Shubh Mangal Savdhan etc) which have come with a message are doing well.”
He is also trying his luck in films with the long delayed ‘2016 The End’ that has recently launched. “I hope good word of mouth helps our film.” He does concede that large number of releases on the same day might scuttle its chances at the box office. “I myself will not watch more than two films every week.”
Having said that Kiku never plans to leave TV. “Besides the above SAB TV project, I will also continue to be a part of The Kapil Sharma Show (Sony) whenever it returns. I am really proud to have been part of this show as we do not resort to below the belt humor. I am not a big fan of vulgarity on TV as opposed to the digital format, for you watch the latter with the entire family.”
Ask him about the entire controversy involving Kapil Sharma he says, “I never interfere in the personal lives of my colleagues; I am no one to tell someone how to conduct himself /herself. As far as I am concerned he is a very good actor.”
He had a great time in FIR which ran for eight glorious years. “Yet every story has its end and you can’t stretch it beyond a point. So I am glad it wrapped up when it did.”
Wishing you luck, Kiku!!