Underground comedy clubs and Bengaluru’s changing evening culture

Bengaluru many soon lose its identity as the ‘Pub Capital of India’, as both residents and visitors form a queue for stand-up shows. The month-long Underground Comedy Festival organized by the Underground Comedy Club (UCC) is proof that comedians have gained.

The comedy scene in Bengaluru, though still in its nascent stage, has already gained a lot of attention. Pioneers such as the Comedy Club and the Sherlock Club, despite their premature closures, set the stage for laughter as an acceptable way to spend an evening, and the city is now one of the biggest ticket markets for any comedian. is one of

Discussing the difference between performing in clubs and bars, Harman Preet Singh who is one of the co-founders of UCC, says it comes down to one factor – alcohol. Distractions are high in bars and pubs and there is no dedicated space for artists to effectively showcase their material. “A club provides a dedicated space for comedians and their audience. There are no distractions. People enter, enjoy the show and keep coming back. It’s a great place for introverts who don’t feel out of place because everyone is there just for the show,” Harman says.

“I think the price of a drink can get you a good time for an hour at a show,” says Shreya Shankar, a regular at UCC.

Beginning of the UCC

In early 2023, Kartikeya Fatwani, one of the founders of UCC, pitched the idea of ​​a comedy club in the city to Harman Preet Singh. “At first, when he first showed me the location, I opted out. But when he called me again in September last year to say he had found an underground space, I checked it out and immediately fell in love. I got my architect on board and UCC happened. ,” Herman said.

The UCC opened to the public with its first show on November 4, 2023. Ashish Solanki, popular standup comedian and founder of the show, The Pretty Good Roast, says, “Performing at UCC feels like you’re sharing secrets with a group of friends. Huddled around the fireplace. That atmosphere changes when the comedian reveals himself and how the audience accepts him.”

Gursimran Khamba, co-founder of All India Bakchod (AIB) and a popular standup comedian from Mumbai, this second. “UCC has a New York-club vibe and the audience understands different types of comedy. You can tell right away if your set is working or not because the audience is so close to you.”

Sahil Aggarwal, a regular at the club, says, “The creative response from the audience is unique because the crowd is open to experiment, providing a great space for artists.”

“UCC is one of the most fun places to perform in India,” says Prasathi Singh, a popular standup comic from Mumbai, adding that the accolade is well-deserved as it packs the excitement of both the audience and the artist into a comfortable space. .

A quality crowd

With a youth-led crowd, Bangalore in general and UCC in particular, offers a great place for refreshments and entertainment. “It’s also a good way to learn about the local culture,” says Sahil of Gurgaon.

“Unlike in other cities, the crowd in Bengaluru is very good and provides a safe space for new talent. The audience is very supportive; If they don’t like your set, they will let you know, but not demotivate you,” says Shreya.

Harman says that the UCC title began as a section Killer comic For the sole purpose of helping budding comedians develop their content. The registration fee is ₹150, and the winners not only get a cash prize of ₹2500, but also a place at the mics from Monday to Wednesday at UCC.

Back matter

In an age of social media where reels and shorts have become the new marketing tactic, this concept offers potential viewers a quick glimpse of a comedian’s style.

“Crowd work is a segment that comedians have been tapping into for a long time. It’s only come out now because of social media. Not everyone has the skills to engage people in mundane conversations and make a career out of it,” says Harman.

Ipsita, who has been frequenting UCC for a few months, says, ‘As an audience member, I feel that anyone can come on stage with a script, but a comedian’s acting instantly makes all the difference. Shows his talent.”

While a two-minute clip about their mob action on social media might do wonders for some, some feel otherwise. Says Sahil, ‘This is the lowest art of comics. It’s borderline outrageous humor at the audience’s expense and involves little or no craft. “

“Another downside of crowd work is that the audience feels they can heckle the performer at any time, given their proximity to the stage. People feel they can say anything to the comedian without thinking,” says Ipsita.

Recently, UCC launched the Is It Love? has come up with a new series of titles. It questions if this basic human emotion is born out of convenience or genuine care. ‘I just talk to the audience and try to understand their love. “Can I find love?” It’s a question our generation is constantly asking. So, the series revolves around that,” says Harman.

So if one is looking for love or a dose of laughter, a comedy club might be worth a shot.

The underground comedy festival is running till December 29 at various locations. Tickets and schedule are available on BookMyShow