Paired for Laughter!

Shekhar Suman was right when he said that laughter has 'no line of control'… The second episode on Clinic All Clear The Great Indian Laughter Challenge had two winners. Rajkumar Javkar from Mumbai and Kashif Khan from Pakistan.

Excerpts from an exclusive interview with Rajkumar Javkar, one of the winners on the show last week:

How did you get into TGILC 2?
Actually I should have been a part of the first series itself, but due to some reasons that didn't happen… But I am happy that I am in now.

The best part of TGILC 2 is…
There are many things that I like about this show. Every part of the show speaks for its success. The one that impresses me the most are the judges. Both Siddhuji and Shekharji are so down to earth and casual… they never make you feel like a newcomer.

Even Parizaad is a host with a difference! I always thought that she was there only to host the show, but then, she ensures that she knows all about you in that small chat before the show. No wonder Rancho was so attracted to her! (Laughs)

How did Rancho come into being? Was he created specifically for TGILC 2?
Well, there was this show called Raja aur Rancho on Doordarshan some years back and I used to watch it regularly. As my name was also Rajkumar… I was tempted to find myself a Rancho as well!

Also, I wanted to have him with me on the show as I wanted to create an identity for myself… Like how Ahsaan Qureshi had created one for himself through his shayari and unique presentation style.

How old is Rancho?
He is four years old now, and a naughty one as well… You must have seen it yourself. I got him from a friend of mine who is magician.

Any person in real life who reminds you of Rancho?
Though a monkey, he is like any common man! His views seem like they are a reflection of our own, when we read the papers, when we observe…

Your favourite judge: Siddhu or Sumanji? Why?
That is a tricky question… But I have my answer ready. I like both of them and I like Parizaadji, also. 'We' like her as well!

Aha… was that prompted by Rancho?
(laughs) No no, let me explain. I feel all three of them play a vital role for the show and the contestants. Shekharji is the jaan, while Siddhuji is the oxygen that keeps the show alive and Parizaadji adds beauty to the show. I hope I have made myself more clear, now.

How was it, getting appreciated by Siddhuji and Shekharji?
It was a dream come true for me. I never thought this would happen. I have been performing for the past 13 years and this was probably the turning point in my life.

Thirteen years, quite a number! What all have you been performing? Any memorable experience that you can share with us?
Well, that 13 was including all my school days… Any function in the school, and my teachers ensured that I was in. My first performance on stage was for the farewell party for the class 7 students in my school.

I must also share another childhood experience here… When I was very young, I also used to perform for the people in my chawl(locality). Once, they were so impressed by my performance that I got Five Rupees as bakshish! That was probably one of my most memorable performances so far.

Mimicry or puppetry - what interests you the most?
Mimicry has always fascinated me. I love to imitate people. Raj Kumar was one of my favourite actors because of that voice. I still remember watching Saudagar. I would try hard to imitate him and wouldn't stop practising till I felt I was somewhere close!

But then, I have been practising a lot on puppetry also. I only started experimenting with puppetry four years back, when Rancho clung onto me!

Any role models in life?
All through I have been learning from the people I have met. There may be no particular names that I can attribute my learnings to.

Why was it that Rancho spoke a lot about Aishwarya Rai, Laloo Prasad and Aamir Khan?
Like I told you, Rancho is like any common man. He sees life as you see it. Also I chose these three as most of the papers have them in focus right now.

Lalooji is one of my favourite politicians… He has this casual attitude in life which attracts any comedian to opt him as a subject. In short, a tried and tested formula for any comedian. He is also someone who will not get offended by your jokes.

Aamirji is one of my favourite actors and he is also one of the first actors that I saw to meet when I was young… way back in the 80s when he had come to one of the locations near my school for the shooting of the film Dil.

Who did you think was a serious competitor on the show?
I felt that everyone had a unique talent and all had an equal chance of winning. In the process, I also got to know a lot more about them which I must share.

Kashif Khan is a professional TV artist in Pakistan and has this amazing style of presentation! I hadn't spoken to him much before the show. But had heard his rehearsals, particularly of his last act. I then thought that this man is sure to win and belive it or not on the day when I did see him in my own batch... I had my hopes sink a bit!

Kulwinder Singh has also been a regular commentator on radio for cricket and hockey. Yogendra Joshi almost scared me with his shuddh hindi! That was amazing I thought.

Your first show? Where was it?
My earliest performances for the people of my chawl (locality).

The real essence of laughter according to you?
Laughter is best when it relates to you and when it makes you feel for it!

Apart from Rancho… any other surprises that you have in store for us?
I am planning on another surprise… but will not say anything further.

The best compliment that you have got after the show last Friday?
The response has been tremendous. I have had my mobile for the past two years, but, never have I seen it in use so much! Not just after the show, infact just after the first level, when we had a short break, my schoolteacher called up to wish me good luck!

Also, the people in my family, especially the women folk, watch the STAR Plus serials regularly and I had not told them all about my auditions. They were all so surprised and happy when they saw me in the promos. They called up home to ask more. All this are memories I will treasure for long.

Your favourite laughter champion on the first round of TGILC?
Again a tough question and you must be ready for my long list. I love Sunil Pal. I have heard about his early struggles, quite an impressive champion! Raju Shrivastav, another man worth one's memory. I have been hearing him ever since I was a kid. He is a thorough professional.

But my best choice would be Ahsaan Qureshi. He is amazing with that poetry and presentation.

How does it feel when people say that they liked Rancho more that Rajkumar?
I really loved hearing it! Siddhuji came running up to the stage to kiss him during the show, that was a moment worth a memory for life!