Entertainment

Get a tickle tour with the best stand-up comedians in India

Life is too short to be “always” taken seriously. Loosen yourself up and laugh out loud to some of the best stand-up comedians from the comedy world, the crowd magicians, surfed and searched by P Manisha, to tickle the funny bone in you.

Kenny Sebastian

Kenneth Mathew Sebastian is a name that needs no introduction in the comedy circle. Primarily performing in English, Kenny Sebastian touches on various sensitive topics with his marked humor and crowd engagement.

Donning many hats, Kenny is also a musician, singer, and filmmaker. He is also taking over OTT’s Netflix and Amazon Prime to pump some laughter in the Indian households.

Be sure to check out the best on his list; Middle-class restaurant problems & Indian Parents, OCD, and Electricity at Home.

Vir Das

An actor and comedian, Vir Das has been famous since the time when stand-up comedy was not that popular.

He touches on edgy topics with a hint of humor encompassing politics, movies, celebrities, and more.

Start your stint with his comedy by watching his skits; middle-class brown parents, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and the Avengers.

Aditi Mittal

One of the pioneering female comedians in the stand-up Indian comedy scene, Aditi Mittal paved way for female artists passionate to present their sense of humor for the world to laugh over.

Her best works include The Story of Madhumakkhi and Bra Shopping.

She is also an actress and has her own Netflix comedy specials – Things they wouldn’t let me say, Girl Meets Mic.

Rahul Subramanian

Rahul Subramanian is a very subtle comedian stealing the laughs with his comedic take on random and mundane everyday things.

He has his own channel “Random Chikibum” on Youtube and also had been a supporting cast of AIB. Stay tuned to check out Amazon Prime Special ‘Kal Main Udega.’

Zakir Khan

Zakir Khan is famous for his relatable and adorable humor. Not only a comedian, but Zakir Khan is also an accomplished sitar player and a ghostwriter.

He is famous for his punchline of “Sakt Launda” and also has a chained OTT special “Haq Se Single” on Amazon Prime.

His best acts include When I met a Delhi Girl, What happens when you fail in an exam, and Life Mein Chahiye Izzat.

Abhishek Upmanyu

An Engineer by profession, Abhishek Upmanyu touches the mundane and everyday topics in his comedy skits.

He worked as a writer with On Air with AIB and later became famous with his comedy skit “Indian Insults and comebacks.”

Some of his best works are Thoda Saaf Bol and Jealous of Sabjiwala.

Sumukhi Suresh

Sumukhi Suresh, better known as the “Pushpawali”, is a master of many professions writer, comedian, entrepreneur, and actor.

Deadpan and dark humor is her USP and her political satiricals are a cherry on top. Do not miss out on her best comedic artworks, Tinderella, Don’t tell Amma, Behti Naak, and more

Vipul Goyal

A master of clean comedy, Vipul Goyal is both intellectual and witty in his comedic takes on the general world views on various current affairs.

Alumni of IIT Bombay, Vipul presents a fresh side to the happenings of the world and also is the only comedian who has their own show, “Humorously Yours” which is autobiographical in nature.

This works as a comedic inspiration taking us through the journey of this “Indian Seinfeld” from before fame to after success yet a down-to-earth personality.

Conclusion- In this non-exhaustive collection, we’ve only begun to explore. Biswa Kalyan Rath, Radhika Vaz, Khaneez Serkha, and Abhish Mathew are among the comedians who deserve a pat on the shoulder from India’s comedy fans.

May 13, 2022

Movies to Watch This August 2025

August 2025 brings a power-packed lineup of films from explosive action thrillers to heartwarming romances and long-awaited sequels. With big names, bigger budgets, and stories that promise to entertain, here’s your guide to what’s hitting the screens this month. Dhadak 2 Cast: Tripti Dimri, Siddhant Chaturvedi Director: Shazia Iqbal A socially charged romance and spiritual sequel to Dhadak (2018), this remake of Tamil cult classic Pariyerum Perumal explores caste, identity, and institutional inequality through the intense love story of law students Vidhi and Neelesh. Kingdom Cast: Vijay Deverakonda (as Suri), Satyadev, Bhagyashri BorseDirector: Gowtam Tinnanuri Kingdom is a highly anticipated pan‑India spy action drama directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Featuring Vijay Deverakonda in a rugged cop role, supported by Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse, the film promises intense action and emotional depth. Originally delayed several times due to national events, it is now scheduled for a global theatrical release. War 2 Cast: Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., Kiara AdvaniDirector: Ayan Mukerji The next chapter in YRF’s Spy Universe, War 2, brings together two powerhouses Hrithik and NTR Jr.in a high-stakes, globe-trotting action thriller. Expect mind-blowing stunts, slick storytelling, and intense rivalries. Coolie Cast: Rajinikanth (as Deva), Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, cameo by Aamir KhanDirector: Lokesh Kanagaraj An explosive pan‑India action drama, Coolie sees Rajinikanth return in a high‑voltage gangster saga directed by celebrated filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. Supported by a powerhouse ensemble including Nagarjuna as the antagonist and a surprise cameo from Aamir Khan, the film explores themes of crime, betrayal, and ambition. Shot across locations in Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Bangkok, the production wrapped in March 2025. Slated for a global theatrical release on August 14, 2025, the film marks a major highlight of Rajinikanth’s 50‑year cinematic legacy and is expected to spawn impressive pre‑sales figures overseas. Son of Sardaar

Entertainment

Siddhant Chaturvedi Opens Up on Breaking into Bollywood

Siddhant Chaturvedi’s story isn’t your typical industry launchpad tale. From his small-town roots in Ballia to his breakthrough in Gully Boy, he’s carved a space for himself with grit, versatility, and quiet confidence. Ahead of the release of Dhadak 2, the actor opens up about the pressures of fame, resisting typecasting, struggling with self-styling, and how his parents’ unwavering support helped him through it all. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Siddhant talks about his journey, and more. Excerpts- Do you feel pressure ahead of Dhadak 2’s release? Yes, there is pressure with every film’s release, whether it is a sequel or an independent film. But there’s more pressure with a sequel; it is not that you have to match the earlier one. There is always a desire to show something new, to show it differently, to tell a new story, because the ultimate goal is that people are entertained, and if they like something in it, they will like the film. Have you consciously chosen varied roles to avoid typecasting? Well, the work I do and at this point in time of my career, if I understand the story and I feel that this story has connected with me, then I do it. There is a conscious effort somewhere that you don’t have to do the same; you have to act in different characters, you have to present yourself in different ways, because this is the time for me. Mistakes can happen, but now I am sure I will not typecast roles. I always think that if you do one kind of thing, then that becomes your market. After doing a variety of roles, you reach a point, I have done it all, now what more? Do you believe in building a ‘market’ for yourself? I always have a goal

Entertainment

I Feel This is the Best Year of My Career- R Madhavan

R. Madhavan is back in the spotlight with Aap Jaisa Koi, a heartwarming family drama that explores love, loneliness, and rediscovery in life’s quieter chapters. As Shrirenu Tripathi a quiet, 42-year-old man who unexpectedly rediscovers love and himself Madhavan delivers one of his most layered performances yet. Directed by Vivek Soni and co-starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film explores emotional vulnerability, second chances, and the beauty of finding “Barabari Wala Pyaar.” In a candid chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Madhavan opens up about the film, love, ageing, and his evolving journey as an actor. Excerpts- What drew you to Aap Jaisa Koi, and what was it like playing Shrirenu? Aap Jaisa Koi is unlike any love story I’ve done before; it’s quiet, awkward, and deeply human. Shrirenu is one of the most complex characters I’ve played, someone who longs for companionship and closeness, but doesn’t quite know how to ask for it, yet he is rich with emotion underneath. This film isn’t loud or dramatic it’s patient, gentle, and deeply affecting. I was drawn to how it speaks to all the people who’ve felt overlooked in life or love. The film is a reminder that it’s never too late to start living on your own terms. It’s a story about vulnerability, rediscovery, and the idea that it’s never too late to open your heart. How has your view on romance changed over the years? Back in our day, we didn’t have apps or access to this kind of dating culture. Whatever ways romance happened was considered just okay. [hamare zamane mein choice nahi tha jo sahi tha romance mein bhi sahi mana jata hai] We didn’t have the mode to access dating apps. Therefore, if we wanted to meet a person in the city, it was difficult to meet as that

Entertainment

Tripti Dimri on Dhadak 2, Inter-Caste Love, and Negative Roles

Tripti Dimri made her debut as a leading lady in Laila Majnu (2018) and received critical acclaim for her work in Anvita Dutt’s Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022). She rose to fame with her scene-stealing role in the blockbuster Animal (2023) and is now one of the most talked-about names in the industry. With Dhadak 2 on the way and her recent casting in Spirit, a role that was initially set for Deepika Padukone, Tripti is clearly on a career high. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Tripti talks about her upcoming films, social change through cinema, and her desire to play complex, layered roles. Tripti Simri answers a volley of questions while promoting Dhadak 2. Excerpts: How do you feel about starring in Dhadak 2? Does doing a sequel bring added pressure? I think, if you don’t take that pressure, but perform with full honesty and trust in your director and your team, that’s when magic happens. And I think that’s what Siddhanth and I and everybody else did on this project. So, we made sure not to take any pressure and just take each day as it comes. What were your inputs to the character in terms of improvisation, intensity, and spontaneity? It was a collaborative work. Every day was different. We would rehearse the scenes and then just play off each other. Siddhant has been a wonderful actor. There were a lot of scenes that were based on his reaction, even though you didn’t plan it that way. Because acting is all about reacting. The way you interact with someone day to day, naturally, your expressions come out to the best of your abilities. So, that is what happened. I think I was lucky to have good actors in this film. Everybody is just brilliant. I am happy