Vipul Goyal - Every Laugh I Hear Is a Validation (Comedian and Actor, 339k Followers)

"Comedy is not just about making people laugh; it's about making them see the humor in everyday life and finding joy in the mundane."

Q. You’re an IIT Bombay graduate, which is a prestigious institution. What inspired you to transition from engineering to comedy?

You know, comedy was never part of the plan initially. I joined IIT Bombay with the typical mindset of cracking JEE, getting a degree, and landing a stable job. But during college, I discovered my knack for making people laugh. I started with small performances at cultural events, and the laughter I received was addictive. Still, I followed the conventional path and took up a corporate job after graduation.

However, the routine life of a corporate job didn’t excite me. The urge to do something creative and impactful grew stronger. I remember performing at an open mic after work one evening, and that one show convinced me to take the plunge. It wasn’t easy—quitting a stable job to pursue a career in an industry that barely existed in India back then was a huge gamble. But I knew I had to give it a shot.


Q. What were those initial years like? Stand-up comedy wasn’t a mainstream career choice in India then.

That’s true. When I started around 2010-11, stand-up comedy in India was still in its infancy. There weren’t many platforms, and audiences didn’t fully understand the concept. People expected mimicry of Bollywood-style jokes. Convincing them to appreciate original content was challenging.

Open mics were limited, so performing opportunities were scarce. Social media wasn’t as big then, so building an audience was mostly through word of mouth. Financially, it was tough too. But what kept me going was the love I received from those who attended my shows. Each laugh, each clap felt like validation that I was on the right path.


Q. Your show Humorously Yours was a huge success. How did the idea for the show come about?

Humorously Yours was born out of my life as a stand-up comedian. The idea was to give people a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a comedian—the struggles, the hustle, and the funny moments that happen offstage.

The team at TVF approached me with the idea, and together, we developed the show. What made it special was how real and relatable it was. A lot of the incidents in the show were inspired by my own life—whether it was dealing with hecklers, balancing personal relationships, or chasing gigs. The response was overwhelming because people could see a part of their own struggles in my journey.


Q. Your humor feels so relatable and effortless. What’s your process for writing jokes?

Writing a joke is both art and science. It usually starts with observing something in daily life—a quirky behavior, a social trend, or even a mundane moment. I try to find the humor in it and then exaggerate or twist it to make it funnier.

The next step is testing the material. I usually try new jokes during small shows or open mics. The audience’s reaction is crucial—it tells you what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes a joke needs tweaking, and sometimes it’s best to let it go. Comedy is iterative. Even after years of performing, I’m still learning what resonates with audiences.


Q. Comedy is often about walking a tightrope. How do you balance humor and sensitivity, especially in today’s environment?

That’s one of the biggest challenges for comedians today. Humor has always been about pushing boundaries, but the current environment demands greater sensitivity. My approach is to avoid punching down—making jokes at the expense of someone’s identity, struggles, or beliefs.

I focus on observational humor that’s rooted in shared experiences. But at the same time, I accept that comedy is subjective. No matter how carefully crafted a joke is, someone might find it offensive. As a comedian, you learn to take feedback and evolve, but you also need to stay true to your voice.


Q. Platforms like YouTube and OTT have played a huge role in the rise of stand-up comedy in India. How has digital media influenced your career?

Digital platforms have been game-changers for comedians in India. When I started, live performances were the only way to reach an audience. But with YouTube, you could suddenly reach millions of people with one video.

For me, releasing my sets online was a turning point. The exposure helped me build a fan base across the country and even among Indians abroad. OTT platforms have taken it a step further by giving comedians a chance to experiment with long-form storytelling through specials and shows like Humorously Yours.

Q. Hecklers can be a challenge for stand-up comedians. How do you deal with them?

Hecklers are part of the job, and dealing with them is almost an art form. The key is to stay calm and use humor to handle the situation. Sometimes, hecklers can actually add to the show if you manage to engage with them creatively.

But there are times when someone is just there to disrupt. In such cases, I firmly but politely ask them to stop or leave. At the end of the day, it’s about ensuring the rest of the audience enjoys the show.


Q. You’ve performed for audiences abroad. How does comedy translate across cultures?

Humor is universal, but the context often varies. When performing for Indian audiences abroad, there’s a sense of nostalgia—they love jokes about India, cultural quirks, and shared experiences.

For non-Indian audiences, the focus shifts to observational humor that transcends cultural differences. It’s a fun challenge to adapt my sets to different audiences. At the end of the day, if the storytelling is strong, it connects, no matter where the audience is from.


Q. What’s next for you, Vipul? Any upcoming projects you’d like to share?

I’m constantly working on new material and exploring fresh ideas for both stand-up and digital content. I’m working on a new stand-up special, and there are a couple of exciting projects in the pipeline that I can’t talk about just yet.

I’m also passionate about mentoring budding comedians. The comedy scene in India has grown so much, and I want to give back to the community by helping new talent find their voice.


Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue stand-up comedy?

My biggest advice is to start small and stay consistent. Attend open mics, write regularly, and perform wherever you can. Don’t be afraid to fail—every comedian has bombed on stage at some point.

Focus on developing your own style instead of imitating others. And remember, comedy is a long game. It takes time to build a career, so be patient and enjoy the process.

BIO : 

Vipul Goyal is one of India’s top stand-up comedians and the star of TVF’s hit web series 'Humorously Yours'. An IIT Bombay graduate, he transitioned from engineering to comedy, becoming a pioneer in India’s stand-up scene. Known for his relatable observational humor and effortless storytelling, Vipul’s performances resonate with audiences across the globe. His comedic journey, marked by perseverance and originality, has made him a beloved name in Indian entertainment. Vipul continues to inspire with his wit and authenticity.