New Delhi: Departing from the traditional comedy on television, OTT opened a new realm for the standup scene in India. In fact, OTT got embraced so widely only after Kanan Gill and Kenny Sebastian and other Indian comics started putting up their standup specials on Amazon Prime. AIB’s ‘On Air with AIB’ on Hotstar (now Disney+ Hotstar) was also one of the pioneers of Indian content on OTT. Standup still holds major ground on these platforms and we have for you a list of some of the best standup comics and their specials of all time!
Zakir Khan: Tathastu
The Man of the Hour in the Indian comedy scene at the moment, Zakir Khan recently came out with his new standup special on Amazon Prime and it reminded people of why they follow him in the first place. Zakir Khan’s ability to weave a story while making you laugh, think and even tear up is what makes his fans want to listen to him endlessly. ‘Tathastu’ is one rare standup special that you can enjoy with your family without worrying about profanity and they will love it as you do!
Dave Chapelle: Stick and Stones
Known for his wacky style and controversial opinions, Dave Chapelle is called a genius in some circles and insensitive in others. While both may be true, what makes Dave Chapelle so successful is his ability to rationalize most of the controversial things he says in ways that are funny and understandable in most cases. Saying out loud the things people in today’s cancel culture can not even think of, Dave Chapelle is a good watch! Check out Stick and Stones by Dave Chapelle on Netflix.
Gaurav Gupta: Market Down Hai
Gaurav Gupta’s style of self-deprecating humour is not new, but the vulnerability and jokes are as fresh as the other comics on this list. Another comic that you can enjoy along with your family, Gupta will make you laugh at the subtlest of everyday things. Making use of his Baniya identity, most North Indians will identify with the quirks he points out that exist within all our households! Watch Gaurav Gupta’s Market Down Hai on Amazon Prime.
Bill Burr: Paper Tiger
Another comedian with extremely controversial opinions and dark humour, Bill Burr is funny in the most unconventional way. This is not for the faint of heart but if you like comedy that offends, Bill Burr, will most definitely make you laugh while covering your mouth in amazement. If you are one to enjoy the ‘Family Guy’ kind of humour, watch Bill Burr’s Paper Tiger on Netflix.
Vir Das: Vir Das for India
Vir Das is an Indian comic that is wildly followed in circles outside of India and within India. Performing in cities around the world, Vir Das has a few specials on Netflix but ‘Vir Das for India’ is closer to our hearts. Vir Das is loved for his ability to address issues that are central to us. Vir Das’ comedy ventures into an area where most Indian comics fear going, ‘Politics’. And he does it very well. Check out ‘Vir Das for India’ on Netflix along with his new special that starts streaming on the 26th of December, 2022.
Rahul Subramanian, Anirban Das Gupta, Vaibhav Sethia, and Karunesh Talwar are a few more comics for you to check out. Enjoy your evenings laughing alone looking at your phone while others stare at you cluelessly!
