Ameya Kadam

Over a phone call between juggling arrangements for the tour, Kadam reveals more about what the initiative has to offer. “The closest thing to an audience that Marathi comics have today are open mics. But what happens after your first, second or third open mic? What does one level up to?” he points out. The tour aims to answer the question, he remarks, sharing that three deserving winners from each city will be initiated into a workshop where they will train under the wings of veteran Indian comedians. 

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“The idea is to get them stage-ready. Once the training concludes, they will perform in all six cities once again, where the audience collectively decides the ultimate winner,” Kadam explains.

Members of the group at a previous comedy workshop

What makes the initiative commendable, this writer believes, is the inclusion of cities like Kolhapur, Sambhajinagar (formerly, Aurangabad) and Nashik that seldom make it to urban discussions around performing arts, let alone stand-up comedy. “We were traversing across eastern Maharashtra in 2020, conducting comedy workshops for students in rural and Naxalite-affected areas when we noticed the immense talent the hinterlands were hiding,” Sathaye recalls. “For a majority of Indians, English is not the first language, and most definitely not where humour lies. Rural comics speak to a wider audience, sans the high-handedness and that is what sets them apart,” 
he concludes. 

On December 22; 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm 
At Ramnarain Ruia College, Matunga (Central Railway). 
Call 9833025302 (registration for college students only)
Free