BENGALURU: In a conversation with Akhila Damodaran, popular female stand-up comedians talk about their favourite character from TV series and more. Excerpts:
Anu Menon
What is the most annoying question that people ask you?
I don’t know if it’s annoying but I get a lot of disappointment because I don’t look, sound or act like Lola Kutty. People say that I look normal and speak normal and that they prefer Lola.
Worst valentine experience?
I am a staunch non-believer of Valentine’s Day. I am really not hearts and roses person. And I am glad that my husband and I are both like that. And this time on Valentine’s Day, we watched a documentary on India’s Partition. I guess after nine years, that’s how we roll, really!
If a film is to be made on your life, what would it be called?
I don’t think that I have got so much mass appeal that a film would be made on my life. So I think that’s being quite narcissistic. But, I suppose if a book were to come out, it would be called something like ‘Lola Rocks, Anu sucks’.
If you were a character from a TV series, who will it be?
I really liked Mrs Maisel. I think as a female stand-up comedian, it’s something that you just are automatically drawn to ‘The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel’ on Amazon. I think it’s a fantastically done series. I would also love to be a character of Grey’s Anatomy that was Jackson Avery’s love interest just to kiss Jackson Avery. I think he’s very hot.
Three things you would take to a deserted island?
Deodorant, book and sunglasses. And hopefully, I will carry a sense of humour which I will need there.
Shrirupa Sengupta
What is your favourite place to hang out in Bengaluru?
Cubbon Park... I love the vibe of being around nature, people and their loved ones, and it’s a fabulous place to eavesdrop! And also, my place because I am lazy.
What’s the most annoying question people usually ask you?
Why are you so happy?
What has been your worst Valentine’s Day experience?
The guy decided he was too old for Valentine’s and went out for a work dinner, on February 13 night, without me. He did not wish me or meet me on February 14 even though we were five kms away from each other. He gave me a speech on the 15th about how Valentine’s is nothing but a market conspiracy by capitalist forces and I should not hold this utter lack of a sense of romance against him. He successfully managed to turn me into a raving ageist.
If a film is to be made on your life, what would it be called?
Ouch — A story of being in wrong places.
If you were a character from a TV series, who will it be?
Phoebe from Friends.
What three things would you take with you to a deserted island?
A water filter, a solar panel and cell phone to respond to my parents asking if I have eaten anything.
Pooja Vijay
What’s the most annoying question people usually ask you?
‘When are you getting married?’
What has been your worst Valentine’s Day experience?
My worst Valentine’s day experience was a while back, I must’ve been 16. A bunch of us went to Brigade Road to hang out. The roads were so packed that we got crushed in the crowd!
If a film is to be made based on your life. What would it be called?
Hold on a Minute. I stutter and people are so impatient, they don’t let me complete my thought. So I’m like wait up!
If you were a character from a TV series, which one will it be and why?
A Powerpuff Girl!
What three things would you take with you to a deserted island?
Chocolates, Malibu rum and a few books to read.The comedians performed recently at The Forum Mall, Kormangala in association with Radio Mirchi.