Finding laughter in serious moments…

She never imagined that she would become one of the most iconic faces of Indian comedy. “I never thought I’d be famous in the comedy world,” says Archana Puran Singh with a chuckle, the very sound that has become her signature.

She arrived in Mumbai with dreams of being an actor. Modelling, she believed, would be her stepping stone into the world of films and television. “I didn’t even know what a commercial show was when I did my first TV serial, Shrimaan Shrimati (Mr & Mrs), for Doordarshan,” she recalls. That people would recognise her just for her laughter was something she could never even imagine. “Whether it’s luck or God’s gift — whatever I have achieved by sitting in the judge’s chair is one of the biggest highlights of my career,” she is quick to admit.

Archana has always said yes to whatever opportunity has come her way. “I’ve always been passionate about everything in life,” she says. Whether it was modelling, acting, or anchoring the Miss World show without any knowledge about anchoring, the model-actor always gave her best. When Comedy Circus came her way, she agreed without hesitation.

Though the comedy star often jokes that she’s rather infamous and not famous for her laughter, but behind that laugh is nearly 35 years of hard work. “That chair I sit on is the result of my long journey,” she claims proudly. Archana believes that if you are known for just one thing, it means you’re doing it really well. While her laughter may have become her trademark, her fans also love Archana for her straightforward nature, acting roles, and strong personality. “Laughter is just a part of me,” she adds.

Apart from Shriman Shrimati, the actor is still remembered for her role as Miss Braganza in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai even after nearly 27 years. However, she considers being part of The Great Indian Kapil Show as a major accomplishment of her career. “Most actors would retire at this age, but here I am, an integral part of a show where people dream just to be in audience, and this is my biggest achievement,” she says with an obvious pride. Her commitment to the show has been so unwavering that she’s turned down various acting offers in the past 15 years.

The laughter lady says that she tries to find humour even in serious moments. “It helps me not to take things to heart,” she says.

And if the tables were turned and she got to host The Great Indian Kapil Show for a day? “I’d roast Kapil the most,” she laughs. “If someone ever kept a count of the number of jokes he has cracked on me, even the calculator would give up. But I also know that Kapil would laugh the most and give the best comebacks.” she laughs.

Archana Puran Singh’s journey is not just about becoming famous. It’s about believing in herself, accepting every opportunity that came her way, and finding joy not just in jokes, but in everything in life.

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