Rehman Khan inspired by Johny Lever

Mumbai Oct 8 (IANS) Stand-up comedian Rehman Khan says he is inspired by comedian-actor Johny Lever.

"My inspiration is Johny Lever. I also follow Moin Akhtar and Raju Srivastava. I have a long list but yes I learn from new people because they have their own ideas " Rehman who has been working in TV shows for the past 12 years said in a statement.

The comedian who has featured in shows like "Comedy Circus" and "Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala is now busy with "Comedy Dangal".

Asked about comedy as a profession he said: "Our basic motive is to make our audience happy as they struggle with daily life s problems. In a way we are stress busters for them. We help them to forget and live the present. But I want to convey a strong message through my work."

He says he learnt comedy by observing "humour around my life".

"I did theatre for 14 years so from there I learnt how to interact with the audience. I started stand-up comedy by cracking jokes " he said.

In most comedy shows men dress up like women and it looks very fascinating when a man wears a woman s dress just to make people laugh he says. But while he doesn t enjoy this kind of comedy he had to do it because of "the script s demand".

"One can create comedy without wearing a sari. I don t like to advocate this kind of comedy but yes this is in demand " he said.

"I think we need to do away with this repetition. I also feel that we need to incorporate mimicry and comedy through singing in our contemporary comedy (shows) because these tools are very strong if we upgrade them " he added.

--IANS
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