1. Can you tell us about your journey into stand-up comedy and what drew you to this art form?
My journey into stand-up comedy began long before I actually performed at open mics in Delhi. It all started in 2005 when The Great Indian Laughter Challenge first aired on TV. That was my introduction to stand-up comedy as an art form. I was fascinated by how a comedian could simply take the stage, speak their mind, and instantly make people laugh. I wanted to do that too, make people smile and feel good. Back then, I didn't even know it was called "stand-up comedy" — we just called them "jokes."
I would watch the show every week, learning jokes along the way. I remember performing for my classmates in school during our LCA (Literary and Cultural Activities) class. That was my favorite time of the week, and it was there that I realized comedy was something I wanted to pursue. I was just 10 years old then, and it felt like the most pure and dedicated dream I had. Also, in an interesting turn of events, I got selected in the same TV show, when it came back on TV in 2017. Whole Circle!
2. What’s the process behind crafting a joke or a full set?
"The process often starts unexpectedly—an idea strikes at random moments. When it happens, I try to immediately take it to the stage. Whether it hits or misses, the goal is to get that idea out there while it’s fresh. At first, it’s all about trial and error. With each open mic, I refine my material, experiment with timing, delivery, and punchlines. The more I perform, the more I learn about my style, that particular joke and what resonates with the audience."
3. How do you handle topics that might be considered controversial or sensitive?
I’ve faced some unexpected backlash online for a joke that I thought was harmless. It was a good learning moment, reminding me that sensitivity varies with each audience. Comedy allows us to push boundaries, but it’s important to always stay mindful of how certain topics might impact people. I'm still learning how to strike that balance between pushing limits and being respectful.
4. Who are your biggest comedic influences, and how have they shaped your style?
Raju Srivastava was a huge influence when I first started. His relatable humor and connection with audiences taught me the power of simplicity. Later, when I discovered Jim Carrey’s work, I was blown away by his energy and unique style. It taught me that comedy isn’t just about jokes, it’s about embracing your own thoughts and their weirdness. I’m still learning to feel comfortable with my own energy, both on stage and off, because I believe that’s what shapes your unique voice as a comic. Zakir Khan is another big influence for sure. His story of how he was the only Hindi comic at a point trying to make it big in an English led comedy scene and where he is now is inspiring.
5. Can you share a memorable moment from one of your performances—either a triumph or a learning experience?
A memorable moment happened during my last year of college. My friends and I went to a women’s college for their annual fest, just to hang out and have fun. While I was in the washroom, they announced my name on stage for the Talent Hunt competition. They pointed at me, and I was pulled up on stage without warning. At the time, I was part of my college’s Dance Society, but for some reason, I decided to do stand-up comedy. This was eight years after I had last performed comedy in school. I went for it — did some jokes, even some crowd work — and the audience loved it. That moment was a turning point for me. It was then that I decided to seriously pursue comedy. So I guess sometimes, all you need to do is say "yes" and take the leap!
6. How do you gauge and adapt to the energy of an audience during a show?
I always give myself some time to read the room. If the audience isn’t responding in the way I expected, I take a moment to adjust, maybe try crowd work or change my delivery. I think it's a skill I’m still refining — understanding the energy and adapting. Sometimes I’ll switch up my material to better suit the vibe of the room. For me, patience and flexibility are key to connecting with the audience.
7. What’s your approach to keeping your material fresh and relatable over time?
I focus on making my material real and honest, and I think that’s what keeps it fresh. Life is always changing, so there’s always something new to draw from. I try to make sure my perspective is unique, even if the premise is familiar. If I feel a bit is getting stale, I’m not afraid to let it go and move on to something else.
8. How much of your comedy comes from your personal life, and how do you decide what’s shareable?
Most of my comedy comes from my own life. My stories are true, with no or little exaggerations. I think everything is fair to share as long as it's done respectfully, without crossing any lines or offending anyone involved in it.
9. How has the rise of social media and digital platforms changed the landscape of stand-up comedy?
Social media has been a huge advantage for new comics like myself. It gives you an instant platform to share your work with a larger audience. Platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts allow comedians to reach people who might not otherwise have heard of them. It’s a great way to build a base, get feedback, and grow your comedy career.
10. What do you think the future holds for comedy in a world that’s constantly evolving?
Comedy is evolving too, just like the audience’s tastes. Today, you can find all kinds of humor in India, from dark humor to deadpan, and each has its own audience. As a new comedian, I’m excited to see how comedy will continue to grow, with even more diverse voices and new formats emerging. I think the future is full of opportunities for new comedians like me to reach more and more audiences everyday.
11. If you could trade places with any comedian, past or present, for a day, who would it be and why?
Honestly, I’d love to be in the audience for some of my favorite comics like Norm Macdonald, Jim Carrey during his early days, or Steven Wright. Watching them perform live would be an amazing experience. But if I had to trade places, I think I’d go back to my 2018 self and tell him to start earlier. That would make me the happiest.
Bio:
I am Naman Jain, and I come from Guna (M.P). I have been doing comedy professionally in Delhi for the last 3 years now and recently started uploading my work out on social media platforms. Most of my material is personal storytelling and sometimes observational. I have also been a part of the TV show The Great Indian Laughter challenge in 2017.
2. What’s the process behind crafting a joke or a full set?
"The process often starts unexpectedly—an idea strikes at random moments. When it happens, I try to immediately take it to the stage. Whether it hits or misses, the goal is to get that idea out there while it’s fresh. At first, it’s all about trial and error. With each open mic, I refine my material, experiment with timing, delivery, and punchlines. The more I perform, the more I learn about my style, that particular joke and what resonates with the audience."
3. How do you handle topics that might be considered controversial or sensitive?
I’ve faced some unexpected backlash online for a joke that I thought was harmless. It was a good learning moment, reminding me that sensitivity varies with each audience. Comedy allows us to push boundaries, but it’s important to always stay mindful of how certain topics might impact people. I'm still learning how to strike that balance between pushing limits and being respectful.
4. Who are your biggest comedic influences, and how have they shaped your style?
Raju Srivastava was a huge influence when I first started. His relatable humor and connection with audiences taught me the power of simplicity. Later, when I discovered Jim Carrey’s work, I was blown away by his energy and unique style. It taught me that comedy isn’t just about jokes, it’s about embracing your own thoughts and their weirdness. I’m still learning to feel comfortable with my own energy, both on stage and off, because I believe that’s what shapes your unique voice as a comic. Zakir Khan is another big influence for sure. His story of how he was the only Hindi comic at a point trying to make it big in an English led comedy scene and where he is now is inspiring.
5. Can you share a memorable moment from one of your performances—either a triumph or a learning experience?
A memorable moment happened during my last year of college. My friends and I went to a women’s college for their annual fest, just to hang out and have fun. While I was in the washroom, they announced my name on stage for the Talent Hunt competition. They pointed at me, and I was pulled up on stage without warning. At the time, I was part of my college’s Dance Society, but for some reason, I decided to do stand-up comedy. This was eight years after I had last performed comedy in school. I went for it — did some jokes, even some crowd work — and the audience loved it. That moment was a turning point for me. It was then that I decided to seriously pursue comedy. So I guess sometimes, all you need to do is say "yes" and take the leap!
6. How do you gauge and adapt to the energy of an audience during a show?
I always give myself some time to read the room. If the audience isn’t responding in the way I expected, I take a moment to adjust, maybe try crowd work or change my delivery. I think it's a skill I’m still refining — understanding the energy and adapting. Sometimes I’ll switch up my material to better suit the vibe of the room. For me, patience and flexibility are key to connecting with the audience.
7. What’s your approach to keeping your material fresh and relatable over time?
I focus on making my material real and honest, and I think that’s what keeps it fresh. Life is always changing, so there’s always something new to draw from. I try to make sure my perspective is unique, even if the premise is familiar. If I feel a bit is getting stale, I’m not afraid to let it go and move on to something else.
8. How much of your comedy comes from your personal life, and how do you decide what’s shareable?
Most of my comedy comes from my own life. My stories are true, with no or little exaggerations. I think everything is fair to share as long as it's done respectfully, without crossing any lines or offending anyone involved in it.
9. How has the rise of social media and digital platforms changed the landscape of stand-up comedy?
Social media has been a huge advantage for new comics like myself. It gives you an instant platform to share your work with a larger audience. Platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts allow comedians to reach people who might not otherwise have heard of them. It’s a great way to build a base, get feedback, and grow your comedy career.
10. What do you think the future holds for comedy in a world that’s constantly evolving?
Comedy is evolving too, just like the audience’s tastes. Today, you can find all kinds of humor in India, from dark humor to deadpan, and each has its own audience. As a new comedian, I’m excited to see how comedy will continue to grow, with even more diverse voices and new formats emerging. I think the future is full of opportunities for new comedians like me to reach more and more audiences everyday.
11. If you could trade places with any comedian, past or present, for a day, who would it be and why?
Honestly, I’d love to be in the audience for some of my favorite comics like Norm Macdonald, Jim Carrey during his early days, or Steven Wright. Watching them perform live would be an amazing experience. But if I had to trade places, I think I’d go back to my 2018 self and tell him to start earlier. That would make me the happiest.
Bio:
I am Naman Jain, and I come from Guna (M.P). I have been doing comedy professionally in Delhi for the last 3 years now and recently started uploading my work out on social media platforms. Most of my material is personal storytelling and sometimes observational. I have also been a part of the TV show The Great Indian Laughter challenge in 2017.
Interviewed by : Shivam Sharma
Edited by : Shivam Sharma
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