Good things come in small packages. Well, funny things too, if you’re talking about Mumbai-based stand-up comedian Aditi Mittal! All of 24 years, she loves her work and the fact that stand-up comedy is finally gaining popularity with
audiences across the country. “The audience has evolved so much. Who would have imagined that it would be perfectly fine to sip on wine and laugh away while someone pokes fun at you!” says Aditi.
This talented girl has been a part of stand-up comedy presentations such as Vir Das’s RIPping the Decade and Sumeet Raghavan’s Jay Hind. She has also opened for Radhika Vaz’s comedy act Unladylike. How did it all begin? “It started with participating in Open Mic sessions in Mumbai. When I saw the audience enjoying my performance, I knew that I wanted to do this!” she says.
On female stand-up comedians being a minority in India, she says, “Maybe because it is a deviation from the norm! Most girls don’t want to be caught saying inappropriate things!” And her work sure comes with its share of challenges. Now and then there is a snide remark from a male member of the audience. “This is India, boss! People will say stupid things. You just have to ignore it,” says the happy-go-lucky Aditi.
On the best compliment she has received so far, she says, “In the middle of my show in Bengaluru, a lady who had been laughing hard starts screaming ‘Oh my god! My mascara! My mascara is coming off!’”
Aditi unwinds with her dose of comedy shows featuring Tina Fey (The Americawali!), Louis CK and Lisa Lampanelli. Her local favourites include Sorabh Pant and Vir Das.