Worked hard to make this funny: Gaurav Gupta on his new show Market Down Hai

Your Instagram handle tag is ‘Being Baniya’. Why?

One of my videos, Being Baniya, went viral and hence the name. My fans and followers have known me by this name.

Tell us about your new show, Market Down Hai.

This is a family show which is quite close to my life. The show revolves around a middle-class family. It will highlight many aspects of life, from childhood to student’s life to marriage. I have really worked hard to make this funny.

How did the name Market Down Hai come?

The credit goes to my father. During my growing up years, wherever I used to go to my dad for pocket money, he used to say ‘market down hai’. I have used this term many times and thus, named my show Market Down Hai.

How did the journey of a stand-up comedian start?

I am a dentist and was practising in Delhi. It was going well but at the same time it was monotonous. People always used to praise me for my sense of humour. Whenever I was in a group, I was the one who made people laugh. I started with an open night and gradually it got better.

Any interesting incident from your live shows?

It was one of my first shows in 2015 at a cafe in Delhi. I got a few of my friends and told them strictly that after every joke you clap and laugh. And they were the only ones who were laughing and making noise. Rest of the audience didn’t like it. A bit embarrassing (laughs).

One compliment from a fan which you have cherished?

A fan sent me a compilation of videos in which I saw his mother, who was suffering from an illness, watching all my acts in a loop. The feedback was that she used to smile and enjoy. I found that to be a great compliment.

Have you ever been caught in any controversy?

I feel controversy is a part of any art form. Applause and criticism are part of any artiste and one has to take it in a positive way.

Due to lockdown, artists are now performing live shows online. What’s your take on that?

Live performance is always good as you get response from the audience. Online shows are good when it comes to corporate shows. Because in corporate shows there are many things which might distract the audience and thus performance gets unnoticed.

Who is your inspiration in comedy?

I feel people who can do justice to comedy are my inspiration whether it is a senior or a junior artiste.

What’s next for you?

I have started writing for my next act which I need to sharpen more before I perform for my audience.