With a numerous talented cameos and stand-up comedians, Comedy today occupies a notable place in the industry. But, with growing celebrity charm and stardom, only a few manage to be in a consistent graph of success, if not exponential. Rest just get disappeared in the huge crowd..
Talking about the present day “Comedy scenario” , THE CAPITAL POST interacts with Sunil Pal, a television host and artist, film and stage actor, humorist, comedian, impersonator, and the winner of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge (2005) and a Guinness Book of World Record holder for his flick “Bhavnao ko Samjho”..
What changes do you feel the industry showcases today?
Comedy is enjoying its golden time! It is no more a part-time job. It’s, infact, a main stream career today. You just cannot take it lightly. One has to dedicate a considerable amount of time in this full time profession. Moreover, the reach of comedy is expanding. Actors like Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan are performing comedy. This itself is a big thing. A comedian is now a hero!
How ethical today the content is?
I don’t even consider people indulging in cheap comedy to be artists. And the people who watch and enjoy such stuffs are even more undeserving! Your content should be something that caters every strata of society. It should just not end up in “sex” and “slangs”..
Today people are just copying western culture. Result is, we neither have learnt them completely and nor remember our indigenous ethics today. There were comedians like Charlie Chaplin, a muke artist who never needed a voice to express himself, not even sub-titles. Though with western culture, they are respected even today for their ethical and top class comedy.
When did you realize that you want to pursue “comedy” as a career?
It just happened.. In my early childhood, I used to mimic actors and my teachers.. People used to enjoy it.. Further, I started doing the same in parties and ceremonies. I got more and more famous and welcomed. Then, I got to know personalities like Johny Lever and Paresh Rawal are already doing this in Bollywood. And, eventually, I made my way..Thus, I believe one should do whatever he loves doing. Make your flavor your career.
Who is your role model?
I am a big fan of Kapil Sharma. From him to Sunil Grover, Johny Lever, to renowned PAK cameos Omer Sharif, Moin Akhtar, Amanullah Khan, to K K Naikar and Surendra Sharma, I have always been an ardent follower of all of them and their ideologies.
You say you idolize Kapil Sharma. But he himself has been in “rough” form after so many controversies..
“The Kapil Sharma has been a big hit. I know writers working with Kapil who cannot even spell “writing” and they collect hefty amounts as salary there. Kapil is that generous and welcoming for the new comers.. He served breads for around 400-500 people. He is making people laugh; people are not trying to understand him. People like Vicky Lalvani just for the sake of instant publicity are ending comedy”.
How welcoming the industry is..
Industry always welcomes and is the best teacher. I am thankful to the variety of people I met for I am person who finds lessons even in negativity and abandonment. I oblige even those who downcasted me and tried to dispirit me.. I kept learning and became tougher day by day. What I have understood is the only concept of “Haso aur hasao”!
Your goal in comedy..
Comedy has a large goal besides making people laugh and entertain and that lies in awareness through social messages in your acts. A viral example in the past has been Demonetization, GST, and defecation free India.
Is Sunil Pal the same happy-go person as he is on-screen?
No exaggeration.. I am just a “human” in real life. And, so I naturally display all emotions as happy, delighted, and even sorrow. The only thing I believe is, life will throw many crust and troughs.. We should accept it the way it is and shall transcend negativity..
What is the story behind “Ratan Noora”?
I used to work at a “Tea stall” in my struggle period. A drunkard used to visit my stall daily. From there I developed this character and I am happy that a man who was once dejected by society is now the reason of my fame.
After 2015, your appearance has declined.. What are your next plans..
I have lots of projects aligned..Epic channel airs my show helmed and written by Auwesh Khan and produced by Ram Mishra, Nukkad Ek Chaupal. Besides, three movies are soon to be released in which I am sharing screen with Raj Pal Yadav and many others..These are Super Jassos, Bhagte Raho, Tae Tae Fish, and Vo Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle. A You Tube channel named “Sunil Pal Ki Chaupal” also..
Your message to new comers..
It is only your “work” that will speak.