Sorabh Sets Bhubaneswar’s Pants On Fire

Sorabh Sets Bhubaneswar’s Pants On Fire

A stand-up comedian, author, YouTuber, former television writer, and founder of comedy collective, East India Comedy, this is no other than the very funny Sorabh Pant. Known for his anti-humour comedy (a style of comedy lacking in intrinsic meaning and being intentionally unfunny), Sorabh has done over 2,000 shows in various cities across the globe. He has also written novels such as The Wednesday Soul: The Afterlife with Sunglasses (2011), Under Delhi (2014) and Pawan: The Flying Accountant (2017) and also two comedy specials for Amazon Prime Video. While performing a gig at BOCCA Cafe in Bhubaneswar, My City Links caught up with the zany where he talked about his new book, ‘Vote For Pant: But, Don’t’ (Rupa Publications: 2022) and his comic journey so far and ahead. The audience was regaled with his one-liners and witty puns. Teetering between weird and funny experiences through life, he talked about the day-to-day ordeals that he faces- basically, he covered the various hats the comedian has donned, pun intended.

Did you ever wish to change your name from Pant to Pun’t?

Never. But I have had pretty great experiences with my name though. My first voter’s ID had my name as ‘Sulabh Pani’ and the second called me ‘Sorabh Cant’. But the best story is about my first name. My mother told me that she apparently named me after the Persian legend of Rostam and Sohrab. In it, the father, Rostam, ends up stabbing his son, Sohrab to death. Since then, I’ve kept a safe distance from my father. Haha.

Your jokes are diversified. How has the outcome been so far?

Are you asking about the result? To name a few- trolls, insults and death threats. It does get depressing but it is upto you to take it the way you want. I find joy in that too. Moreover, who sends death threats on social media? That’s a happy place.

How has fatherhood been so far? 

Being a father is amazing. There’s a lot of chaos but it is fun. Fatherhood has made me calmer and more relaxed. I have told this before and I repeat again. I don’t want my son to be a doctor or an engineer. I just want him to be happy, being a doctor or an engineer (chuckles).

What is your take on the changing scenario of comedy?

Comedians have now become more motivated while diversifying into various avenues like podcasts and television shows as well. There are ample opportunities too. But at the same time, there are people too who take offence very easily. It gets tough when you make people feel bad and get into their bad books. Moreover, the stand-up comedy scene in India now is a much more developed industry than before. There is a considerable amount of professionalism involved now unlike the initial days. It has now become like any other industry which is really good. 

When did the idea to become a stand up comedian strike you and why? 

It was the magic that happened after I had many drinks. I was frustrated with writing TV scripts and moreover, I wanted to venture into something new. I wanted to say my own words in my own way. I believe every comedian starts off as a writer. Being a comedian is indeed a cathartic job- you get rid of so many demons and it’s incredible fun.

How did you break the ‘sad’ news of becoming a comedian to your family? 

It helps having parents who are young at heart and always cool. And, also having a sister who has achieved most of my parents’ dreams before me, works best!” he grinned. My family were aghast, initially. They have always been supportive throughout my life. Their absolute support was mingled with considerable scepticism. The scepticism  evaporates once the paychecks start coming in with the right number of 0s in the right direction. My parents grew up in the 60s where such options did not even exist. They bluntly told me, “If you love it and think it’ll eventually go somewhere- commit to it and do it well.” And, they knew how much work I put into anything that I am working on. I started in 2008 in India when there was barely any live standup scene to speak of. Once the popularity increased and the ‘moneys’ became tolerable, my family was even more supportive.

What does one need to become a stand-up comedian?

Having a thick skin is mandatory. You have to be willing to take criticism. And, you definitely cannot afford to be lazy. Also, you have to be really, really good looking. And, bald. Being bald is the key. But on a serious note, you really have to put in the hours to catch up with the best in the business. And, you have to do it because you love comedy not because you think it’s cool to be up on stage.

Why 11 am for the live stream, Wake Up! With Sorabh?

Haha. Isn’t it exciting to see grumpy faces of those who have reluctantly gotten up early just to appear on the show. And humans are more alert in the morning. But basically, the main reason was managing the house and kids amid the pandemic. So this time worked best. I got acquainted with a lot of comedians there only.

So, what makes a good joke?

Are you asking me? I have spent more than 9 years trying to ace one! Let me know when you find out. I believe the best barometer for a joke is the audience itself. Audience feedback is most reliable. I usually write furiously! Connecting with the audience is what I do most and enjoy it too. As for me, I think self-deprecating jokes in general work best for me. Because in that case, it is only me who is getting offended. So it works out well.

So, how has Bhubaneswar treated you?

Bhubaneswar has always been awesome. I have performed in colleges here. And BOCCA Cafe is a brilliant place for shows. I love their concept and the food is always a thumbs up. I recommend my other comedian friends to perform here. Similarly, I had been told by my comedian friends to come to Bhubaneswar too. Comedy Highway is also doing a great job connecting us to such a lovely city.

How has the pandemic treated you?

It was genuinely hard to be funny during the pandemic, seeing so much suffering around you. I was grappling with all of the suffering around me and it felt like I was losing my sanity as well. One day, while discussing it with a friend, she told me, “Everyone has a role- and yours is to make people laugh. So get out there and please just do it.” And she was right. So, I tried and it worked. The pandemic has been a trying period for all, no doubt. 

Tell us about your fourth book ‘Vote for Pant’?

During the pandemic, there were no stages. So, I decided to write stand-up for an audience of myself. Since it is non-fiction, it couldn’t just be written as stand-up; that would not go over 200 pages! And 30 pages is just not enough to get an advance from publishers- which was my ultimate goal- so I loaded it up with some basic research and also a few chapters that would not translate into stand-up but are quite fun for a read. The book is a mixture of stand-up, columns and downright silliness. Do give it a read.

Any word of advice. 

Enjoy yourself. Don’t be harsh on yourself. Everyone is going through a lot. I try to understand people. Be nice to each other, be kind. But this isn’t advice. That’s the way of life. I am not that sorted to give advice. I am on a journey. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Be happy. Be kind.