Mid-day 44th anniversary special: ‘In Mumbai, there is no kal, parso’

Aditya Kulshrestha moved to Mumbai in March last year and has had no reason to regret it yet. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

The pinned video on his Instagram shows him being introduced as the "King of Bhopal" as he struts on to the stage, waving to a crowd of thousands of fans, all shouting his nickname "Kullu". The clip, which is from Aditya Kulshrestha's most recent standup comedy tour, offers a glimpse into the growing popularity of the young comic, writer and actor. Kulshrestha credits the city for playing a "role in fulfilling his dreams".

It was in March 2022, when he moved from Bhopal to Mumbai, to explore better career opportunities. "It was a life-changing decision," he tells us. Not to mention, a roller-coaster ride.

In the last year and more, Kulshrestha has cut his teeth writing sketch comedy videos for YouTube channels, and collaborating with Instagram influencers on content for a wide range of brands. He also went on to host an afternoon show for a radio channel and has performed at over 200 events, including open mics, college events and corporate galas. His journey has given him the chance to work alongside the best in the business, Zakir Khan, Aanchal Agarwal and Shibani Bedi to name a few; and his YouTube standup comedy video, Private Engineering College, has already garnered over 2.9 million views.

The 26-year-old makes no bones about the fact that he comes from a small town. One of his better received jokes is one where he says that Bhopal has an international airport (surprised silence from the audience), which runs only four domestic flights (instant laughter). Indeed, his self-effacing brand of humour is what endears him to his audience in the first place. As he says in another one of his jokes, he has completed three courses required to become a standup comic - he comes from an all boys school, he has studied engineering and he is perpetually single.

"The best thing about working in Mumbai is that there is no kal, parso," he says, "You make a pitch, you get a reply. In smaller cities, there is always this practice where the other person will hear you out and then say he'll let you know in a day or two. Everyone is honest, upfront and quick. They'll immediately let you know if they can go ahead."

As a result, he adds, for the first time he has a "choice". He is no longer the person who would jump at every opportunity that came his way. He can pick and choose his assignments. Today, apart from touring the country for standup routines, he also writes short films for online platforms and even acts in them.

Some time ago, he shared stage with actors Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan, to talk about their latest release, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. Kulshrestha pointed out to Kaushal how they both looked alike. Kaushal, typically, chose the humble route, saying he looks worse. "It wasn't really something I had imagined when I left Bhopal, but today, Mumbai is home. Wherever I go, be it another city in India or abroad, when I find myself feeling ‘homesick', it is always Mumbai that comes to mind," he says.

The city and its people, he feels, operate at a different pace altogether. "I can do a show, watch a movie, have a writing session, go on a date and then attend a party, and all of it on the same day!" he exclaims.

If there's something he is yet to take a shine to, it's Mumbai's food. "Bas woh baat nahi hai," he says, reluctantly. "I have been here for over a year, but I haven't been able to adjust to the food."

As regards his hopes from Mumbai, the city has fulfilled them, he says, "100 per cent and more."

Mumbai meri jaan?

Love about Mumbai The people, the pace

Hate about Mumbai The food

Expectations from Mumbai: Better career and networking opportunities

Did Mumbai live up to it? Yes

Will it remain forever home? Yes