Appurv Gupta is an Indian stand-up comedian who has made his mark in the world of stand-up comedy. After finishing his engineering course, he opted for stand up comedy as a profession. The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the talented comedian. Excerpts…

An engineer who turned stand up comic- how and when did you realize that stand up comedy was your call?

Appurv Gupta – So I am an engineer by education. When I was in the third year I realized that engineering is not my cup of tea. I started exploring options and then I got to know about Postmasters international. It’s a non-profit public speaking organization. I tried my hands and I realized that public speaking is something which I could do. Stand-up is the peak of public speaking. I thought let’s try stand-up. When I was in my final year and explored stand-up comedy when once I was on stage, the kind of laughter and applause I got, it’s addictive. That same day I decided to do stand-up comedy and the rest is history.

How supportive were your parents after you decided to pursue stand up comedy?

Appurv Gupta -Initially, they were supportive, as after completing my BTech, I had a job in my hand. I asked them to give me 2 years for my stand-up career. If this won’t work, I’ll do an MBA and take up a bank job. Luckily things started falling in place and I was able to gain recognition as a stand-up. I’m happy about them (parents) being supportive of me.

The Central Club gives platform to young comedians. How did you think of this platform for the budding talents?

Appurv Gupta – In Delhi, there’s no such space to give a platform to the budding artist, not even stand-up but also beat boxing, poetry, jamming sessions etc. I thought of working on it and asked a couple of people, there’s a place called Akshara Theatre of one of my friends and I coordinated with them. It took us some time but now we are able to give a platform where anyone can perform. We are running Open Mics every day to give platforms to as many as we can. Looking forward to getting good performers out of it!!

How did you get your first break?

Appurv Gupta – I was told by a friend of mine that a stand-up comedy is happening somewhere in Nehru place in 2012, so I went there and performed. Luckily I was able to win the 2nd prize in open mic. I was rewarded with Rs. 2000. That’s how I got an interest in comedy. As far as the first break is concerned, I’ve performed many times, I’ve uploaded videos. One of my videos went viral and I started getting offers for shows, paid shows, college shows etc. People started recognizing me.

You have been doing shows all over the world now. Where did you love performing the most?

Appurv Gupta – I have travelled to India, Dubai, Turkey, Thailand, Australia, USA. To be honest, the best cities I think of in India is Mumbai and Hyderabad as both the cities are artist-friendly. They love to see you perform. They understand the jokes and they like it as an artist. So I think Mumbai and Hyderabad is a tie.

Who is your idol in the world of stand up comedy?

Appurv Gupta – I don’t watch Indian Stand-up comedian. I watch Russel Peter as everyone has seen him 2011-12 when everyone was in college. I majorly watch George Carlin, he’s a god of stand-up. He did stand-up on all the topics. He is no more. I guess we lost him in 2007. But the kind of stuff he pulled was amazing, the way he narrated all the jokes, the way he’s able to talk about all the controversial topics was really amazing. One day I’ll try to be like him.

What challenges did you face as a stand up artist?

Appurv Gupta– The challenge which I feel right now for me or for any other comedian is to how you make sure you can entertain people, make them happy and simultaneously make sure that they won’t feel offended. In today’s time, everyone wants to see stand-up but not want to feel offended. It’s a tough thing to crack, so I try to talk about day to day life topics like Chai, Maggi, Biryani, Tinder, Sleep, Barber Experience. I talk about issues which are easy to relate to.

You have received many awards due to your contribution to stand up comedy scene in India. How does it feel when you receive an award for your achievement? Do you feel that it causes more pressure on you as a performer?

Appurv Gupta- I don’t feel pressure, but I have the responsibility of being someone doing stand-up from past 6-7 years covering more than 1000 shows. I have a responsibility to do good work and justify why I am in this market. Recently I got Icon of the Year award. So I have a set of responsibility to justify my awards and my talent to do shows on a global level.

How has the stand up comedy scene changed in India, according to you?

Appurv Gupta- Stand-up comedy scene has changed a lot now. In 2013, no one had an idea what Stand-up is. I had to brief and educate people what is it about, but now everyone knows about it and understand it. But then in 2013, there were hardly a few people who used to get offended by the jokes, now I don’t know why people have this tendency to get offended by the jokes quickly and easily. These people are more educated but simultaneously they feel offended about any topic.

What are the most essential qualities that a stand up comedian must have?

Appurv Gupta – The most essential quality is you have to have a sense of humour which is very important. That is something god gifted. Secondly, you have to be consistent and you have to do your job. Thirdly, you have to do hard work. Talent is something you have inbuilt, still, there are things on which you have to work hard, practice, daily writings, trials and built quality jokes.

What is next in line for you?

Appurv Gupta – Next, I have a new solo show coming ‘Kaafi Wild Hai’. Other than that I am planning to do a podcast and planning two more shows in my channel.

What is your advice to budding new talents who want to make a name for themselves in this field?

Appurv Gupta- The only advice I want to give to the upcoming comedians is that be consistent and be hardworking, as these two qualities are rarely seen nowadays. Everyone wants an instant result and fame. Try to keep calm and focus on your goals and one day you’ll see the outcome of your success.

We wish that Appurv continues his good work in the future too and achieves great success!!