There is no charm in men playing women characters, says Selfie Mausi

Selfie Mausi might have been his claim to fame, but stand-up comedian Siddharth Sagar says there is no charm in men playing women characters. If the actor understands his or her character well then gender can never be an issue.

Stand-up comedian, Siddharth Sagar, is still basking in the glory of Selfie Mausi, a character that has taken the television world by storm. Given the appreciation the 21-year-old stand up comedian has received, he feels confident. "Two years ago when I created Selfie Mausi I was not sure about its future. Today I feel immensely satisfied with its popularity," he says.

Selfie-Mausi-aka-Siddharth-Sagar-has-become-quite-famous-with-Comedy-Classes

The actor, who also has a penchant for music, spoke to HT City.

Excerpts:

Selfie Mausi in Comedy Classes has become quite popular. How do constantly keep developing the character?

(Smiles) It feels great when people value your work. The entire process of constantly developing the character is very important. I constantly improvise but try to keep the essence intact. The changes are subtle but interesting.

The show recently completed 100 episodes. Doesn’t that become monotonous at times?

Nowadays, I even speak like Mausi at home. She has become a very important part of my life. This proves that I’ve played the character for a long time. In fact, it becomes easier for me to come up with news jokes and punches when I am in the character. Playing the character for two years hasn’t become monotonous because it took time for the character to become popular. Now that Selfie Mausi has got an identity of her own, I might consider creating something new.

Are the acts we watch on the show impromptu or scripted? Do you also face creative block?

It’s partly scripted and partly spontaneous. While performing, we at times move away from the script. That adds a spark to the act. But I must accept that our writers give us powerful scripts everyday. Our writers, Harsh, Vakeel, Gaurav and Dinesh are the backbone of our show. I feel they face writer’s block more than us. However, when I face such a situation, I give myself time.

Why do you think men playing women characters such as Daadi, Gutthi or Palak are gaining popularity?

Sunil Grover aka Gutthi interacts with Salman Khan on the sets of Bigg Boss 8.

I feel there are a very few female stand-up comedians, which is why men are seen playing both male and female characters. I don’t feel there is any other charm in men playing women characters. If the actor understands his or her character well then gender can never be an issue.

You co-actor, Krushna, is hosting a show. Do you have similar plans?

I would love to. In fact, I have been made a similar offer but things are yet to be finalised.

Don’t you think it’s difficult to make people laugh and one should also not cross the limit while doing comedy?

It’s both difficult to make people laugh and cry. Only a good actor can generate these emotions well. There’s also a thin line between comedy and vulgarity. At times when a comedian gets exhausted with his stock, then he or she takes recourse to vulgarity. That shouldn’t be the approach. Mazak karne mein aur mazak uraney mein farak to hain.

What interests you other than comedy?

I love singing and playing the harmonium and tabla. I haven’t given composing or doing playback a thought but you never know. I would also like to play a serious character.

Fab Five

A question you have been asked numerous times? Aap yeh kaisey kar letey ho?

A question you never want to answer? I usually answer all the questions.

A comedian that you feel is popular on TV? Krushna Abhishek, Bharti Singh and Kapil Sharma.

A habit you want to get rid off? I want to stop thinking too much.

What topics do you want to see on TV? More comedy serials and stand up comedy shows.