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Meet the biryani trio behind the parody
Guess the connect between Ed Sheeran and biryani? It’s the new video Biryani Anthem – Shape of You Parody by three Indian comics. The Facebook link of this video got 2 million views within 24 hours, and its cast Ahmed Shariff, Praveen Kumar and Sanjay Manaktala, all three from Bangalore, are thrilled.
The video was Shariff ’s concept — he was the only one who had felt sure of a strong response. Kumar and Manaktala are rather amazed. “I didn’t know that people are as mad for biryani as we were. It’s just getting bigger,” says Manaktala. At last count, the number of Facebook views had crossed 3.22 million. Delhi-based comic Amit Tandon has a cameo in the parody video.
Why biryani? “Why not? It’s the most popular,” says Shariff. “Also, we have made biryani-related sketches and Praveen is known as the ‘biryani man’ in our group.” Kumar adds, “I cannot express through words, my love for biryani!”
The video is being liked not just by Ed Sheeran fans but also by those who can relate to Indians gorging themselves on food at a wedding. “It took me less than an hour to write the first draft of the song, but a month-and-a-half to shoot,” says Shariff. Seen as Mr Perfectionist by his comic co-stars, he wanted to get every detail right. It meant a lot of retakes, but Manaktala says, “I’m happy I didn’t back out of it and had fun with Ahmed.”
I didn’t know that people are as mad for biryani as we were. It’s just getting bigger SANJAY MANAKTALA COMEDIAN