‘Comedy is cathartic’: Lyricist-screenwriter-comedian-director Varun Grover says comedy is an arena where he allows himself to be vulnerable
His popular show, Punjabi Trauma, is a hilarious, heartfelt exploration of identity and pain. A deeply personal yet relatable journey of navigating through the complexities of a Punjabi household in the post-Partition era has resonated with Punjabis across the globe. Merging old with new, from Oh Ho Ho to Inside Out, taking on fellow lyricist Prasoon Joshi to fellow comic Trevor Noah, Varun’s comic pieces makes you laugh, and also ponder.
In a conversation with The Tribune, the multifaceted artiste let us in on his life and journey. This dheer gambheer insaan, who writes songs, films, comics, books and comedy shows, is a confirmed workaholic, who takes notes 24X7.
A voracious reader and a movie buff, enjoys comedians like Abhishek Upmanyu; loves directors such as Vikramaditya Motwane and listens to old gems from Geeta Dutt.
We wonder while cracking hilarious punch-lines, how does he manage to keep a straight face? “I do not get excited generally. I write and perform with a certain detachment. To quote Ghalib, Baazicha-e-atfaal hai duniya mere aage, Hota hai shab-o-roz tamasha mere aage. Comedy has been most cathartic. I am a screenwriter, lyricist, writer, director, and comedian, but comedy is the arena where I speak about the most personal things, where at times I allow myself to be vulnerable,” says the lyricist, who won National Award for song Moh Moh Ke Dhage.
Rather straightforward, Varun cracks jokes on everyone — from political leaders to his colleagues in the industry. Does it ever get awkward when you meet them? “Many ask me, how come I am still in the industry. I believe that’s because I joke on situations and not target individuals. I keep things factual and balanced, use polite language and satire. I think people are really smart. They understand where I am coming from. When I am cracking jokes on my own Mama ji, then of course I should be allowed to do that to others.”
Love, death & ketchup
Varun’s latest comedy piece, Love, Death & Ketchup, draws from his obsession with both ketchup and death. “It’s more philosophical than my earlier work. It continues some of the Punjabi narratives.” He also has a couple of films in the pipeline, including Homebound with Neeraj Ghaywan. He’s authored four books in various genres, which include graphic novels, poetry and short stories. His next directorial will be a drama centred on human emotions and love.
Painted nails & public reaction
Varun paints his nails just because he likes how they look. But the reactions he gets are wild. People assume all sorts of things — “Have you joined a cult?” or “Is this a religious thing?” Some are curious, some outright angry — ‘Sharam nahi aati?’ “Initially, I got irritated. Now, I just find it funny,” he says.
Faith in democracy & diversity
“India has always been intellectually rich,” he points out. “We have always had a culture of vaad vivad. Right from epics like Ramayana, to its reinterpretations, we have had different voices. Look at the emergence of new voices — LGBTQ+ artistes. I agree there is more to be done. There will always be some issues, but I am hopeful our democracy will only be stronger.”
He fondly shares his memories of The Tribune, “I used to read The Tribune back in Himachal, during my growing-up years. Now, to be interviewed by it! Life is strange, and deeply fulfilling.”
Lifestyle