In the vast mosaic of life, where each day unfolds with its own set of trials and tribulations, comedians emerge as a beacon of joy reminding us to find humour in the everyday. They transcend the ordinary, offering us moments of reprieve from the mundane, inviting us into a space where shared smiles and collective laughter become a source of solace and connection.
Aaditya Kulshreshth, affectionately known as Kullu, a rising star in the ever-growing comic landscape of India, shares with us his journey from his early beginnings at the heart of Madhya Pradesh to become a beloved voice in the Indian comedy scene.
K: How did the dynamic and culturally rich poetic and artistic scene in Bhopal shape and influence your early career?
A: The city was a vibrant hub of poetic and creative expression during my time in Bhopal. The poetry scene was flourishing, with an impressive level of sophistication in both Urdu and English poetry. Open mics and poetry readings were frequent, offering platforms for budding poets and artists to showcase their talents. This environment played a crucial role in shaping my career. The constant opportunities to perform and engage with an audience allowed me to nurture my comedic craft. However, I don’t see the same level of poetry happening in Bhopal anymore. The creative zone that existed back then is lost now.
K: Could you share the journey of how comedy became a significant part of your creative expression and professional path?
A: Professional comedy wasn’t a chance occurrence for me; it was a dream I nurtured since childhood. While studying engineering, unsure of my future, I found myself gravitating towards something I had always known deep down. Ever since I watched Raju Srivastava on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge as a child, I dreamt of becoming a stand-up comedian. That show lit a spark in me, and it was clear: comedy was my true calling. When I was in college, I had no outlet, but then an open mic happened in The Urban Socialite, on 6th June 2016, where I performed. I still remember it was a hot afternoon and about 35 people performed. I did well there. I stood out in the crowd because there was no other stand-up comedian. Everyone else was talking about trauma and then I would come and tell jokes, changing the energy completely. I think that worked for me.
K: What kind of movies, shows, or media did you enjoy when you were growing up?
When I was growing up, my world was filled with comedy. I devoured Govinda films, and I can still give you a one-liner synopsis of each one. Hero No. 1, Biwi No. 1, Coolie No. 1, Haseena Maan Jaegi. Among these, Coolie No. 1 and Haseena Maan Jaegi were my favourites.
I loved watching Priyadarshan's movies like Hulchul, Partner, Hungama, and Hera Pheri. I even got the chance to meet David Dhawan, who directed many of these comedy classics—he’s always been a favourite of mine. Comedy was a staple in my life, and when The Great Indian Laughter Challenge hit the screens, I was completely captivated. Although Comedy Circus followed later, it was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge that truly inspired me and solidified my desire to pursue comedy.
K: How do you stay grounded and maintain a positive perspective under the constant demands of your career, especially considering your journey from Bhopal to Bombay?
A: Handling pressure for me is all about staying active. I believe that if you keep working, there's no time to feel the weight of pressure. When you're idle, that's when the stress creeps in. So, I make sure to keep myself occupied.
Coming from Bhopal, where for 5-6 years I faced limited work and scarce creative opportunities, I longed for a chance to truly immerse myself in my passion. Moving to Bombay was a game-changer. Here, I found an abundance of outlets for my creativity. I dove into everything—writing, performing, managing social media, networking, and even doing backstage work. Being involved in so many aspects of the comedy world can be overwhelming at times, but I always remind myself of the scarcity of opportunities back in Bhopal.
Whenever the workload starts to feel heavy, I think about those years in Bhopal, waiting for a break. This perspective makes me grateful for the busy schedule I now have. Instead of getting overwhelmed, I focus on being thankful for the abundance of work.
K: What are the small joys or simple pleasures that bring happiness to your life?
A: I love cooking and spending time with people I love. Even back in Bhopal, when money was tight, we would find joy in just hanging out together, enjoying each other’s company without any need for elaborate plans. Now, even though I’m in a better place financially, the essence of those moments hasn’t changed. We still chill and connect in the same way.
For me, the greatest pleasure comes from talking and spending time with my loved ones. It’s a universal joy, something that transcends our circumstances and brings happiness, no matter where we are or what stage of life we’re in. Also, having a productive day makes me happy. I am among those fortunate people who love what they do.
K: What do you look forward to in a day?
A: It's the anticipation of meeting new and interesting people. Living in Bombay, I encounter a diverse array of individuals—about a hundred a week. Each week, someone impresses me with their stories and achievements. Whether at parties or social gatherings, I often meet people whose work I’ve admired since childhood, alongside incredibly talented people. Every day, if I know I’m stepping out, I set a personal goal to connect with at least one fascinating person.
On days when I’m at home, I dive into reading. Currently, I’m enjoying Kasak, a love story, and Sapiens. I wouldn't label myself a bibliophile, but I always have at least one book on the go. Although I used to read a lot of self-help books, I've shifted my focus to fiction over the past year to fuel my writing and expand my creative horizons. Fiction, unlike non-fiction, broadens the imagination and offers a diverse world of ideas and inspiration. I’ve delved into international fiction, exploring Italian and Japanese authors, with Haruki Murakami being a recent favourite. His work has left a lasting impression on me, and I often find myself discussing it with others.
Lately, I’ve also been reading travelogues, such as Ernest Hemingway's A Moveable Feast. These narratives offer a different kind of inspiration and a glimpse into new worlds. Additionally, I enjoy reading screenplays of films I love—they provide a deeper understanding of storytelling and cinema.
When I'm not reading, I indulge in watching films. I recently got a large TV, and I make it a point to watch a movie every day.
K: We are aware of your love for Irrfan Khan, which other artists have truly spoken to you, even if you don’t understand them completely.
A: My admiration for Irrfan Khan runs deep, but several other artists resonate with me profoundly, even if I don't fully grasp why. Take Haruki Murakami, for instance. Javed Akhtar is another artist who profoundly influenced me. His eloquence, whether in his poetry, lyrics, or speeches, is remarkable. The way he articulates thoughts and emotions is both inspiring and thought-provoking. His recent interviews, where he shares his wisdom and insights, have been particularly enlightening and have added layers to my appreciation of his work. Kishore Kumar is someone whose multifaceted talent always amazes me. His versatility as a singer, actor, and comedian is unmatched. Watching Govinda’s films still transports me back to my childhood. His movies might defy logic, but they offer pure, unfiltered entertainment. Each of these artists, in their distinct ways, resonates with me on a deeper level that transcends simple rationality.
K: What’s one quirky or unusual habit you have?
A: One of my weird habits is that I tend to romanticise everything, often without reason. For example, as a comedian, I sometimes find myself hoping for dramatic events, like a breakup, because I think they'll give me great material for my shows. This can lead me to unnecessarily complicate situations that could be handled more practically. It's something I’m aware of and trying to change, as it often means I’m almost manifesting trouble just to find humour in it.
K: Do you believe you need pain to create art?
A: No, I don't believe pain is a prerequisite for creating art. If pain were the key to artistry, then everyone would be an artist, as everyone experiences pain. Pain is simply a part of life, whether you're an artist or not.
Some artists might claim they need pain to fuel their creativity, perhaps as a way to justify or find meaning in their struggles. However, many people who endure significant hardship don’t create art; often, they don't have the time or resources to do so. Creating art requires more than just experiencing pain; it involves the ability to channel various emotions and experiences into something expressive and consumable.
To create art, one needs to have lived fully, experiencing a spectrum of emotions—joy, sorrow, love, friendship, and, yes, pain. Pain is just one part of the human experience. It’s not the sole ingredient for great art. Someone who has only known pain won’t necessarily produce exceptional art. True creativity often comes from a rich tapestry of life experiences, with pain being just one of many threads.
K: Are you a morning person or a night owl?
A: Once I wake up, I need about an hour to myself. I make my tea and breakfast, put on some music, and spend time walking around and just being in my own space. It's a quiet, contemplative hour before I dive into the day's activities. I'm not one to engage in chitchat early in the morning; I prefer easing into the day gradually. However, most days I don't have the luxury of leisurely mornings. I often wake up with a deadline looming, needing to be somewhere by 11 am. I used to be a night owl, but now I have sorted that. Nowadays, I prioritise sleep more than anything else. As they say, you can only do one of the three: work, sleep, or love. Right now, I'm focusing on work and making sure I get enough rest.
K: If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
A: Irrfan Khan and Bhagat Singh. I would do anything to be able to meet Irrfan saab. Also, there used to be a Pakistani comedian, Umar Shareef, I would like to meet him. I used to consume a lot of his work as a teenager. His work has influenced my comedy. I’d die to meet them, or rather I’d have to die to meet them. (Laughs)
K: What is the one conversation that has moved you?
A: The conversation that has truly moved me is one I hold dear with my elder brother. Additionally, the conversations with my mentor and guide, Zakir Khan, have profoundly impacted me. When I first moved to Mumbai, I was grappling with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty about my life. Spending time with Zakir bhai during that period was transformative. Working closely with him, he imparted invaluable wisdom and perspective on the issues that troubled me at the time.
There was also a memorable night when I was particularly anxious, and I sought solace at his house which he shares with his friend Vishwas bhai. We ended up talking for hours, and that conversation left a lasting impression on me. Every interaction with Zakir bhai brings new insights; he understands the challenges I face because he has walked a similar path. His guidance often includes warnings about pitfalls I might encounter, though being stubborn, I sometimes learn the hard way.
Behind his public persona, Zakir bhai is a caring mentor who is deeply invested in our growth. He sets high standards for us, believing we are privileged to pursue and live out our dreams. His strict but supportive approach emphasises the importance of respecting this opportunity and working diligently towards our goals. His mentorship has shaped not just my career, but also my outlook on life and success.
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