SUNIl GROVER is in full-fledged work mode. With his new TV outing, The Kapil Sharma Show, already on air, he is now looking forward to his film, Baaghi. He tells PRAKRITI ROY about the work he did before he became a household name for comedy and about dealing with fame
You are one of the few people in the industry who became popular not just on TV but also on radio. Tell us about your hugely popular radio show.
Radio Mirchi had approached me to become an RJ but I didn’t have time to go to their office regularly. So I suggested this weekly idea. Initially, we were all sceptical whether Hansee Ke Phuware with Sudarshan will work, whether people will relate to it, if it’s funny or not. We tried it out in Delhi and soon it was sent to the other centres also. Before that, I was following the creative vision of others. With this I got some amount of confidence that I have it in me to connect with the audience.
What were you doing before thatIJ
I was doing some TV shows here and there, hosting some stuff on TV. I was doing some cheap shows, meaning those which paid me less. You know, performing on a gauna ceremony in an orchestra set-up is not a great thing.
Where are you originally fromIJ
It’s this tiny flyover-free and signal-free town on the border of Haryana and Rajasthan called Mandi Dabwali. I did my Masters in Theatre from Panjab University, Chandigarh.
When did you know that you wanted to become an entertainerIJ
I wanted to be so many things doctor, pilot, engineer, peon, clerk, hairdresser, athlete and a soldier. It was only possible in this line of work, where I can play any character.
You see yourself as an actor or a comedianIJ
I don’t know the difference actually. Being a comedian is way more difficult than becoming an actor. It’s not necessary that a comedian be a great actor or vice-versa. My approach to comedy is timing becoming a character and making a caricature of the character. I don’t know if I’m an actor, comedian or performer. The bigger thing is to connect. I want to be a connector. It depends on the medium, rightIJ I’ll look stupid if I try to become an actor on The Kapil Sharma Show.
Are you thinking of doing anything other than making people laughIJ
At this stage, I want to fulfil my commitments. Second, I want to learn a few more things. Finally, I do want to make people laugh. I think it’s the most wonderful thing that you can do, to make someone stress free.
Did you ever think Guththi would become so popularIJ How did you react to the fame and popularityIJ
No, never. I didn’t think people would remember her steps and quote her. For the first 20 days, I was arrogant and then I was fine. Some people slapped me! (laughs). I always wanted to be an arrogant person, but I never got a chance. I became someone who I wasn’t. However, I couldn’t stay like that for more than 15-20 days. But these nasty things happen sometimes.
Was it arrogance that made you leave Comedy Nights With KapilIJ
I told you I can’t be arrogant for too long! There were some contractual issues that happened. I didn’t agree to certain things that they wanted after the show became successful. Finally, they agreed to those things.
Any crazy fan experienceIJ
I don’t know if it’s crazy but there is this one man who somehow ends up everywhere I travel. I have no idea how he gets to know my schedule. It’s not about fans, it’s about people liking your work. It’s such a new thing for me, it just got introduced to my life.
The biggest compliment you’ve gotIJ
Every compliment is important and every criticism is not. I used to think that sometimes people compliment you because they want a response from you. But then, when I did Mad In India, people told me how bad it was. Then I realised, people react just fine. But the biggest compliment is the work that you get offered and I’m getting those kind of compliments.
Any other projects on the rosterIJ
There is this Punjabi movie Vaisakhi list. I also have a substantial role in Baaghi.