Comedy is a creative expression, not a societal threat, asserts stand-up comic Sahil Shah, who believes audiences should continue to support comedians during challenging times.
India’s comedy circuit has recently found itself under scrutiny — from Ranveer Allahabadia’s remarks about “parents and sex” during Samay Raina’s show India’s Got Latent, which stirred backlash, to Kunal Kamra’s alleged “traitor” jibe aimed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, leading to political uproar.
Sahil Shah, recognised for his witty takes on everyday life, emphasized that comedy should be seen as an artistic endeavor.
“It’s important to understand when and how an art form like comedy starts being perceived as a threat. People treat it as if it’s dangerous — but it’s not. It’s just another form of creative expression.
“Eventually, I believe that if people appreciate our work and enjoy what we do, they’ll stand with us even when we’re facing difficulties,” he told PTI during an interaction at Mumbai Comic Con 2025.
According to Shah, comedians are constantly uplifting one another.
“When one of us is targeted, it impacts all of us. It brings up issues of what can or can’t be said. It’s about open dialogue, freedom of speech, boundaries — a lot of nuanced topics. That’s why we need to have each other’s backs,” he said.
Is he cautious about steering clear of potentially sensitive subjects?
Not necessarily, says Shah.
“It really depends on where I am in life at that moment. Right now, I’m in a phase where I talk about myself. Unless someone has a personal issue with who I am, I don’t think there’s much to object to. I focus on my own struggles — and there’s plenty to talk about. That’s my current approach.”
What began as a mere pastime has now become a full-fledged profession for Shah.
“Comedy has grown into an industry. These days, being a comedian feels significant. We began young, and our early jokes were very different from what we do now.
“We’re evolving. We’re working on larger platforms, writing better material, and even performing overseas. The comedy landscape in India is expanding, and I’m thrilled to be part of that growth. It’s exciting to evolve alongside the scene,” he added.
At the opening day of Mumbai Comic Con 2025, Shah performed with fellow comic Rohan Joshi in a show titled Comic Con Variety Vault: Unpopular Opinions: Sahil Shah and Rohan Joshi.
He described the performance experience as incredibly enjoyable.
“The vibe was amazing. We engaged with everyone — from high schoolers in the 11th grade to college professors and engineering students. It’s a broad spectrum, and entertaining such a diverse audience is just a blast.”
As passionate fans of pop culture, both Shah and Joshi found it easy to connect with the crowd.
“We’re familiar with the shows and films people love. We understand the references. That makes it simple for us to connect with them on that level, because, in the end, we’re pop culture geeks too.”
Up next, Shah is gearing up to release his second stand-up special, Broken, on his YouTube channel on April 16.
“It’s all about my personal journey — feeling broken, trying to heal, and the efforts I’m making to become a better version of myself. It’s raw, emotional, and something very close to my heart.”
The two-day Mumbai Comic Con 2025 wraps up on Sunday.