Who comes to your mind when you think of comedy in India? Think think…now think whether it is a male or a female. Chances of it being a Rohan Joshi or Sorabh Pant are far more than Aditi Mittal, Kaneez Surka or Mallika Dua. It’s not your fault- it is the sheer fact that there are much more men in the comedy scene in India, than females. Attribute it to the myth that women can’t be funny, or the prevalent patriarchy in our country, which still hasn’t accepted women making jokes about every kind of issue- there is a significant lack of famous ‘funny’ women.
However, TLC India is all set to change that, with their new stand-up comedy show, exclusively for women. Currently inviting entries, the show, titled “Queens of Comedy”, will have contestants vie for the title, and entertain viewers in the process. To be judged by Kaneez Surka, Rohan Joshi and Richa Chadda, and hosted by Varun Thakur, the winner will be awarded their own comedy show on the channel. Currently, entries are open till 30th July, and the show will premiere on 24th September.
Zulfia Waris, Business Head, Female and Family Entertainment Products, Discovery Communications India, said, “There is a strong perception that women are not inherently funny and take themselves very seriously. Queens of Comedy will change the way how females are perceived in the comedy circuit in India. With their insights and perspectives, women can combine humour and self-deprecating wit with hilarious results.”
As an organization working for gender equality for the past three decades, we are extremely proud of the channel and the makers of this show for taking this initiative to promote women in comedy, and ensure that women get their rightful place within the comedy ecosystem. We recently attended an event in Delhi, featuring female comics, and had a great time. Humour, by itself, is empowering, and we hope that this show is a step towards ensuring that more funny women come to the forefront!
