‘In my break from TV, I kept explaining to others things I myself don’t understand’
Monika Rawal Kukreja
For comedian Sunil Grover, 2017 has been a year of learning, exploring and connecting with his own self. The comedian got embroiled in perhaps one of the biggest controversies on small screen, right in the beginning of the year, after his brawl with fellow comedian-actor Kapil Sharma became public. Following the incident, he quit The Kapil Sharma Show, and then took a break from TV.
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 breathing space to understand 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 I myself don’t understand. In the bargain, I understood that [TV] has given me immense love and respect.”
Sunil adds that he gets filled with gratitude 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 is around. It’s such a great vibe and I understand that I need to continue working on small screen for my fans,” adds Sunil, best known for his on-screen 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
FOLLOWING HIS SPAT WITH KAPIL SHARMA, SUNIL QUIT HIS SHOW, AND THEN TOOK A BREAK FROM TV
mind. Sunil feels that just like not every film can be a blockbuster, not all shows will be successful. “As artists, our duty is to keep working on what we believe in. So, whatever we think, from our experience, is right for the audience and can entertain them, we make it. Also, we keep trying newer things because you never know what might connect with the audience.”
Not underestimating the audience’s intelligence and taste, Sunil adds, “They are very smart. Sometimes we laugh that ‘Oh, 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 people who live in this country.”