‘Sometimes, you need breathing space to be objective about life’
For comedian Sunil Grover, 2017 has been a year of learning, exploring and connecting with his own self. The comedian was embroiled in perhaps one of the biggest controversies on small screen right in the beginning of the year after he reportedly had a brawl with fellow comedianactor Kapil Sharma while on board a flight. Following the incident, he quit Kapil’s show, and then took a break from television.
However, Sunil doesn’t regret his decisions. He says, “It’s a continuous journey, because when you are a part of a process — a show — you are in that thing day in and day out. So, sometimes, you need some breathing space to understand [things] and have some objectivity in your life.”
So, what all did he realise when he was away from all the action on set? Sunil says, “I kept explaining to others — relatives, friends, family and fans — things that even I don’t understand. In the bargain, I understood that [television] has given me immense love and respect.”
Sunil adds that he is very grateful when people greet him with a smile and concern on their faces. “I remember, after I left Kapil’s show, I did a couple of live events and got to travel, too, and I realised how much love was around me. It’s such a great vibe and I understand that I need to continue working on small screen for my fans,” adds Sunil, who is best known for his onscreen characters Gutthi, Dr. Mashoor Gulati, and Rinku Devi.
While many comedy shows come and go, only a few manage to leave a lasting impact on the audience’s mind. Sunil feels that just like not every film can be a blockbuster, not all shows can be successful. “As artistes, our duty is to keep working on what we believe in. So, whatever we think, according to our experience, is right for the audience and can entertain them, we will make it. Also, we keep trying newer things, because you never know what might connect with the audience.”
The comedian also feels that it is important to not underestimate the audience’s intelligence and taste. He says, “The audience is very smart. Sometimes we laugh and say that they won’t understand a particular thing, but they prove us wrong. At the end of the day, we are making it for the audience and for the people who live in this country.”