Raju Srivastava

 

Indian comedian Raju Srivastava has passed away at a young middle-age of 58. He had earlier collapsed while working out a fitness center more than a month ago.

He was admitted to a hospital but sadly could not make it and had to leave this Earth yesterday.

Raju Bhai (we call it 'Dai' here) got his first big break from a comedy show in the early 80s but it was 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge' that made him a star.

We will miss you Gajodhar Bhaiya!

Now, let's talk about our Nepali comedians. We have similar shows like the Indian ones here in our great land. Our new age comedians are of course different from the old school.

Thirty years ago, comedy in Nepal except for the great Maha jodi and Santosh Pant, were more like watching a bunch of contortionists.

Well, our comedians then did not bend their bodies but it was mostly facial expressions which made us laugh. Many made faces as if they were eating a dozen dalleys (hot fiery chilli) or cow dung cake.

Today, our new generation comedians are more vocal about social issues and other crazy stuff. And sometimes, talking about issues seem to land oneself in police custody.

Comedy is not easy. You can people angry with your antics. Some folks are angry at Balen, our Mayor saab for bulldozing his way around town. Some people find it funny too.

But making people laugh is probably the world's most difficult job. We are not the West where we can talk about or even crack jokes on religion, gender, caste, ethnicity, politics and not worry about going to jail.

Our Shark (SAARC) region is a different place. We sometimes have to be a little careful before we fire our comedy rockets to empty someone's pockets. Well, comedy shows are not cheap!

Our new comedians charge 30 to 40k per half an hour gig. They are doing okay unlike Kapil Sharma across the border.

In Nepal, we can make fun of everything except two, religion and caste. So, my request for upcoming comedians! Please be an atheist and only talk about Stephen Huh-King or change your caste to a number and only blend in number theory jokes in your routine.

We are a Republic now or should I say, rip off the public.... we can now make fun of Paras Sarkar and not worry about being buried alive in Nagarjun. We can make fun of Prachanda, Oli and Deuba aka (POD) aka petrifyingly obnoxious daakus!

We dont really have to worry about Oli firing back at you with a real goli or Prachanda sending in his YCL gentlemen to your crib or Deuba spitting all over you with his saliva.

But you can't create a song or a music video and show our politicians and cadres suffering like us, ordinary Nepali citizens. You will have to delete your stuff from Youtube.

Anyways, don't make fun of Newars. Don't make fun of anyone but .... let me see.. the Bhramins. They are the least likely ones to be offended because at the end of the day they know pretty well who rakes in the moolah.

Okay, that was a joke as well. So, to all the beautiful Bhramins. Study hard, dont waste your money on masu or trying to win over your sasu. Just tighten up your belt, pass that Lok Sewa exams and ka-ching.. let the thunder (aka money) roll!

Well, I think that goes to all folks, doesnt matter which caste or creed you belong to.... study hard, work hard and party moderately! And save some money.

Follow the 2740 rule. Save Rs 274 Rupees per day and you will have Rs 100,000 in a year.

1 lakh will get me nothing... you might say. Well, at least it willl get you a round trip 4N5D somewhere. If you want to be wise then you need to travel.

If you stay in your tole all your life, you might not burn a hole in your pants but you will also never know what's outside the forbidden forest. Now, I am getting cryptic. This number theory is getting in my head!

For complaints, send me an email at  maguffadi@gmail.com 

Image source: The Express Tribune