It's time for daddy jokes

Atul Khatri

"I wish I had a cool dad like you", is something Atul Khatri is used to hearing from his largely young fanbase. The truth though, he tells us, is far from this assumption. "I am not a cool dad," he says. And yet, his new show which has been in the making for nearly a year, is called Daddy Kool.

Khatri, now 52, took to comedy after he gave up his job as CEO of Kaytek Computer Services. His story and his journey as a comedian forms a part of this show too. He talks about his daughters, his new dog, his performance at Antilla and touches upon political subjects like the CAA too.

"Work on the show started back in April and I have been giving it a name and shape. That's how it is with comedians. We keep writing and testing stuff until a whole new show is formed. It also keeps evolving with time. People can expect a very different set from what I usually do," Khatri says about the process. He adds, "Getting new content out is the big challenge for comedians. Social media has made our job more difficult too. Jokes are available every minute and you have to rise above that," he adds.

Khatri also admits his content has matured over time and his stories now dig deeper. "You begin with the low-hanging fruit that is usually self-depreciatory humour," he explains. Daddy Kool in its current form opened with a Europe tour followed by one around the country. Khatri is due to perform in 13 cities in North America next month with the same set. "After that I will look at putting a crisper version up for streaming," he says.

But the challenge, he says, lies in the fact that the audience doesn't understand the process of comedy. "When they like your set, they come for another show the same week and say they heard the same jokes. They don't realise it is a scripted set," he laments.

On February 29, 8.30 pm
At Fine Arts Society (Sivaswamy Auditorium), Fine Arts Chowk, RC Marg, Chembur.
Log on to bookmyshow.com
Cost Rs 499

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