Humour is the weapon of the modern man. We ask the ladies, if a man who makes them laugh really wins their hearts. What kind of humour works and what kind is off-putting? Is the Hugh Grant brand of self-deprecating humour the way to charm a woman, Russell Peters’ in-your-face jokes or Chandler Bing’s dry wit?
Salsa dancer Sneha Kapoor feels, “The only kind of humour that is very off-putting is sarcasm. It’s not my cup of tea.” Sneha also rules out the outrageous, ‘shock humour’ epitomised by Sacha Baron Cohen. “It’s rude and uncalled for. Otherwise, I’m open to any kind of humour that lightens up the mood.”
Humour has to be positive, agrees actress Sada. “I don’t like guys who take potshots at others in the name of humour,” she says. “I like the kind of guy who is good company and makes you laugh. I think Shah Rukh Khan is the best example. He’s so witty in his interviews and stage shows.”
Grammy award winning singer Tanvi Shah points out that a sense of humour is the good indicator of a man’s intelligence. So, that definitely rules out Govinda style slapstick comedy. “I enjoy talking to a man who is smart and witty. I think his sense of humour or lack of it is a good way to judge what kind of person he is. It’s very important to be light-hearted and hey, everyone needs a good laugh!”
A man with a sense of humour is the best companion you can hope for in a bad situation, adds Sneha. “No matter what is wrong, if he can see the funny side of the situation and lighten up the mood, that’s brilliant.”
However, artist Dimple Shah opines, “Humour is such a subjective thing. What you find funny, I may not. The way we perceive humour totally depends on our background so it’s very difficult to have universal appeal.” Dimple says, “So anything crass or cheap doesn’t work. Personally, I’d say I prefer a guy who can use humour to get his point across. That’s what art is about, to me.”
While all of them agree that a man who can laugh at himself is definitely a charmer, it’s wit and intelligence the ladies are looking for in a man.