"The goal isn’t to offend but to provoke thought; comedy is about creating connections, not divisions.""
My journey into comedy wasn’t planned, to be honest. Like most middle-class kids, I had a stable corporate job, working in the IT sector. But deep down, I always had a love for making people laugh. I’d often crack jokes at family gatherings or mimic people at work. Around 2009, open mics were starting to gain traction in India. A friend dared me to perform at one in Delhi, and that night, something clicked. The response was overwhelming, and I realized this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. That’s when the ‘IT Guy’ decided to leave the cubicle behind and embrace the stage.
Q. From IT to stand-up—quite the leap! What challenges did you face in those early days?
Oh, there were plenty! Back then, stand-up comedy wasn’t considered a viable career. Convincing my family that I wanted to quit a stable job was a Herculean task. For middle-class parents, the dream is for their kids to have financial security, not tell jokes on stage.
Then came the grind—building an audience, performing at tiny venues, sometimes with just three people in the crowd. I remember once performing in a coffee shop where people were more interested in their lattes than my jokes. It was humbling, but those experiences were invaluable. There were times when jokes fell flat, and self-doubt crept in. But it also taught me resilience. Comedy, I’ve learned, is like a sport—you have to keep practicing to get better.
Q. Your comedy often touches on societal issues. What inspires you to take this route?
I’ve always believed comedy is a powerful tool to spark conversations. Growing up in India, I’ve witnessed the nuances and quirks of our society. From middle-class struggles to caste dynamics and politics, there’s so much to unpack. Humor makes difficult subjects approachable, and that’s what I try to achieve—holding up a mirror to society while making people laugh.
For instance, one of my jokes about “Indian parents and marriage” isn’t just a funny take on family pressure; it also subtly highlights the rigidity of societal expectations. I draw a lot of inspiration from my own experiences and those of people around me. It’s not just about pointing out flaws; it’s about connecting with people and saying, “Hey, we’re all in this together.”
Q. Speaking of society, how do you navigate the fine line between humor and offense?
That’s the million-dollar question for any comedian. Comedy is subjective—what one person finds hilarious, another might find offensive. I think intent plays a huge role here. If your joke comes from a place of malice or insensitivity, it’s bound to alienate people. My approach has always been to punch up, not down. I steer clear of mocking marginalized groups or making jokes at the expense of someone’s identity.
At the same time, comedians should have the creative freedom to push boundaries. The goal isn’t to offend but to provoke thought. There have been instances when people have taken offense to my jokes, even though that wasn’t the intent. When that happens, I try to engage in a dialogue rather than dismiss their feelings outright. Comedy, after all, is about creating connections, not divisions.
Q. You’ve performed internationally. How does the audience response differ outside India?
It’s fascinating to see how humor transcends borders. Audiences abroad are generally more open to edgy and experimental content. However, they might not always understand the nuances of Indian culture. For example, a joke about “arranged marriages” might require a bit of context when performing for a non-Indian crowd.
Indians living abroad, though, are a delight to perform for. They relate to both the local culture and our desi quirks. I remember performing in Dubai, and the crowd went wild over my take on Indian parents’ obsession with engineering degrees. They’re nostalgic but also open to laughing at the contradictions of their upbringing.
Q. Let’s talk about the evolution of comedy in India. What’s changed since you started?
The comedy scene has exploded! When I started, there were only a handful of comedians and even fewer platforms. Today, you have stand-up shows, YouTube channels, Instagram reels, and OTT platforms showcasing comedy specials. The audience has also matured—they appreciate diverse styles of humor, from observational comedy to dark humor and everything in between.
However, with growth comes scrutiny. Social media has amplified both praise and criticism. A joke that once stayed within the confines of a room can now go viral within minutes. It’s exciting but also comes with its set of challenges. You’re always under the microscope, and it’s essential to stay authentic and relevant in this fast-paced world.
Q. Any memorable moments from your career that you’d like to share?
There are so many, but a few stand out. One was performing at a sold-out show in Mumbai for the first time. Seeing a packed house cheering for me—it was surreal. Another unforgettable moment was when a fan messaged me, saying my comedy helped them cope during a tough phase in their life. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do.
I also have some hilarious memories from backstage shenanigans with fellow comedians. Once, during a live show, the mic stopped working, and I had to perform without amplification. It was challenging but also oddly liberating—it felt like a conversation with the audience rather than a performance.
Q. You’re also known for mentoring young comedians. What’s your advice to aspiring stand-up artists?
First and foremost, write every day. Comedy is like a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. Perform as much as you can, even if it’s at open mics with small audiences. Don’t be afraid to fail; every flop teaches you something valuable. Also, find your voice. Don’t imitate others; figure out what makes you unique and build on that. And most importantly, be patient. Success in comedy takes time, but if you’re consistent and passionate, it will come.
Q. Outside of comedy, what are Nishant Tanwar’s passions?
I’m a huge movie buff! Watching films helps me unwind and sometimes inspires new material. I also love traveling—exploring different cultures and cuisines gives me fresh perspectives. And like any true Delhiite, I’m obsessed with food, especially street food. Give me a plate of golgappas or butter chicken, and I’m the happiest person alive!
Q. What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects we can look forward to?
I’m currently working on my next stand-up special, which I’m really excited about. It’s a mix of personal anecdotes and social commentary with a dash of satire. I’m also exploring writing for OTT platforms—something beyond stand-up. And, of course, I’ll keep touring and connecting with my audience. The journey is far from over!
Q. Finally, how would you define success?
For me, success isn’t about fame or money. It’s about making a difference. If my comedy brings a smile to someone’s face or makes them reflect on life, that’s success. It’s about staying true to yourself and doing what you love with all your heart.
BIO :
Nishant Tanwar, also known as 'Joke Singh,' is a celebrated Indian stand-up comedian known for his sharp wit and relatable humor. Hailing from Delhi, he transitioned from a corporate IT career to comedy, captivating audiences with his take on middle-class struggles, societal norms, and cultural quirks. A trailblazer in India’s comedy scene, Nishant has performed globally and is admired for blending humor with social commentary. Beyond comedy, he mentors aspiring comedians and enjoys traveling, movies, and indulging in Delhi’s vibrant street food.
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