After being part of shows like The Great Indian laughter Challenge and Comedy Circus, Balraj is now impressing everyone by playing host to Colors’ Entertainment Ki Raat. He tells SHAlINI SAKSENA the challenges he faces as a stand-up comedian
Why from acting to a stand-up comedianIJ
It was a chance that propelled me into the entertainment industry. I never wanted to be an actor. I wanted to be a cricketer or be a police officer. But family situation forced me to give up on my dream of being a police officer. I had to drop my studies and that affected my chance of being a sportsperson. I joined theatre to pay for my college tuition and that pushed me into this field.
What are the challenges that you face as a comedianIJ
The biggest challenge is that one can’t make people laugh on the same joke twice. One can enjoy a song for years to come but once you have heard a joke, it is not funny the second time and people want to hear something new. Social media is so active, there is so much content. One has to be up-to-date with news. Another problem with me is that I an neither fat, nor thin. I am not bald. I can’t make others laugh by making jokes on myself. I am solely dependent on content to make people laugh.
You write your lines as well. Does it come naturally to youIJ
When I was part of regional TV as a stand-up comedian, I had to write my lines. They didn’t have the budget to hire a writer. So it became a part and parcel of my life. I wanted to be a mainstream actor, writing was never on my agenda. But during my struggling days I did a lot of ghost writing for almost all major comedy shows and films including a Punjabi film.
You were part of Bigg Boss 11 as well. How did that happenIJ
Entertainment Ki Raat is a Colors property as is Bigg Boss 11. The channel does promotions of its shows. I am probably the only person who has been inside the House five times without being a contestant. First time to meet the contestants during New Year Special episode, second to interview Salman Khan, third, to announce the show and finally to announce the count down of Entertainment. It was a good experience and meeting Salman Khan is always great. Being part of Bigg Boss 11 ensured that I increased my viewership.
What made you say yes to Entertainment Ki RaatIJ
There were a few reasons. I have worked with the production house of this show five times. Colors’ is the most popular GEC channel today. The show was being aired at primetime. The format is new; I didn’t have to dress up to make people laugh. There is no script. Also, I was being paid well (laughs).
What is more important for youIJ Fame or moneyIJ
To be honest, at this juncture in my career, what is important is fame. Money will come if you are famous. Channels offer great money when it comes to reality shows. I don’t negotiated much when it comes to money.
Why can’t we make good comediesIJ
If I answer this, there will be many people who will curse me. When you see movies like Angoor, you will notice that its opening scene is two-and-a-half minutes long. Audience patient is limited today. Khuda Gawah is three-and-a-half hours long. There is a lot of content that can’t finds its way into mainstream, is there on social media. So quality is suffering. Then there are some directors think that there is need to hammer the script in and subtly takes a backseat. Also people compare the sequel with the original.
What is more important dialogue or timing for a stand-up comedianIJ
In my profession, timing needs to be perfect. If we add even a single extra word, it can take away the punch.
Why not BollywoodIJ
I have not got a break yet. What I have been trying to achieve I have just managed to do so today. I have been busy concentrating on TV and have not given films much thought too. I feel that TV lacks a witty anchor, I fit the bill and this is the right time for me to fill this gap. Since I am a stand-up comedian, I don’t have to put in too much effort to be a host and be a comedian at the same time.