 | Sanjay Rajoura: An Indian comedian comes to town
24 July 2012
|
| 
KARACHI:
Critically acclaimed Indian comedian and social critic Sanjay Rajoura was in town for the recent Social Media Mela in Karachi. One of the most refreshing comedians to ever visit Pakistan, Rajoura is casual, philosophical, hilarious and quite oddly, not active on Twitter. In conversation with The Express Tribune, he talks about his inspiration.
“It’s totally political and dark at the same time but there are a couple of things which make me angry — people’s idiocy, silliness, lack of understanding and respect for women,” Rajoura said at his performance that struck a chord with Karachiites. “I never write a script. I have these ideas in my mind of how I am going to speak and the advantage is that anytime I tell a story, it sounds like a different one.”
His unscripted acts allow him to share personal experiences with the audience. For instance, in one of his stand-up acts at the Social Media Mela he related an encounter he had with the Pakistani police. As he drove back to his hotel, an officer bugged him about being a secret agent and tried to get a bribe out of him. “At first I wasn’t sure how to handle the situation but then realised that this is the same thing — what is happening there (in India) is happening here (in Pakistan),” he laughed. When it comes to his acts, he claims to be more of a storyteller who uses satire to illustrate everyday life experiences. “Some things always transcend cultures,” said Rajoura. “But I believe that Pakistan has its own individuality and unique culture. For example ‘Coke Studio’ is really a Pakistani thing so when Indians tried to put it together, it was a super flop.”
How it all began
Back in India, Rajoura has become prominent in the stand-up comedy scene. His work is different from others as he incorporates satire and wit in his acts. Before this, he was working as an engineer in Silicon Valley, California. Sick of the monotony, Rajoura left his “respectable” life and salary in the United States and returned home, with no idea that he would one day turn into a comedian.
“The funniest thing in life for me, which lasted 10 years, was my previous job — it was a big joke. I used to ask myself: how could someone be such a big idiot?” says Rajoura who is turning 40. Commenting on his new career path, he added: “I left my job, returned home and had no idea what I would do. I sort of just stumbled upon this avenue, realising I am good at this and far better than others in this field.”
Rajoura confessed that he resents the comedy scene in India on certain levels primarily due to the lack of intellect employed. He believes it is heavily influenced by the West, consequently involving vulgar topics such as sex and drugs. “There are a lot of people who embraced the typical blueprint of American stand-up comedy which uses sex in humour — this is not what Indian culture signifies,” says Rajoura. “But now there are some who are bringing a different style — they are telling Delhi or Mumbai tales. So hopefully in a couple of years we may see a change.” | | See Also in Showbiz News
|
|  Vampire Weekend tops Billboards
24 May 2013
LOS ANGELES: Indie rock band Vampire Weekend grabbed the top spot on the weekly Billboard 200 album chart, besting new albums from country legend George Strait and pop singer Demi Lovato. “Modern Vampires of the City” sold 134,000 copies in its first week, according to figures compiled by Nielsen SoundScan, and became the second album to debut at the top of the weekly Billboard 200 for the New York-based rockers. It was also the first independently distributed album to debut at No 1 on the chart ... Full Story |  Janet Jackson a billionaire
24 May 2013
LOS ANGELES: US pop star and occasional actress Janet Jackson has earned $1 billion throughout her years as an entertainer, Variety reported. The money has come from recording and publishing music, as well as performing live around the world and starring in films such as “The Nutty Professor,” “The Klumps,” “Poetic Justice” and “For Colored Girls.” Jackson, 47, is married to businessman Wissam Al Mana, who also is a billionaire, “Entertainment Tonight” said. Other billionaires in the ... Full Story |  Georges Moustaki dies at 79
24 May 2013
PARIS: French singer and composer Georges Moustaki, whose romantic ballads including the 1958 hit “Milord” won him global fame, died on Thursday at the age of 79, his entourage said. Born on May 3, 1934 to an immigrant European Jewish couple who had settled in Egypt, Moustaki - whose real name was Giuseppe Mustacchi - penned some 300 songs, marked by their poetic and haunting quality. “He died early in the morning at 6:00 a.m. after a long illness. He passed away peacefully,” a close friend ... Full Story | |
|
|
|
|
| Kami Si Reh Gayi Directed By: Kashid Nisar
Writer: Kashif Nisar
Cast: Noman Ijaz, Mehwish Hayat, Irsa Ghazal, Jahanzain Gorchani, Saba Faisal, Haseeb ... |
| | | Silwatain Cast: Amina Sheikh, Meera Sheety, Adeel Hussain, Daniyal Raheel, Muhammad Ahmed, Parveen Akbar, Shameem Hilali, Rabia Noureen, Wasay ... |
| | Sitamgar Cast: Angeline Malik, Nadia Hussain, Sajjal, Asfar Rehman, Ali Afzal, Sunita Marshal and Faisal Rehman.
Producer By:Fahim Burni & Moomal ... |
| | Zindagi Gulzar Hai Cast: Fawad Afzal Khan, Sanam Saeed, Mehreen Raheal, Ayesha Omar, Samina PeerZada, Javed Shiekh, Hina K.Biyat.
Written By: Umera ... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Nachley Season 4 Host: Waqar Zaka
Judges: Moamar Rana, Faisal Qureshi and Film Star Resham. |
| | | |
|
|
|
|
|
