A TIDAL wave of Indian stand-up comedians taking the Edinburgh Fringe by storm has led to excitement about performers at this year’s festival, which runs throughout August.
One of those top talents is Mumbai-based funny man Rahul Subramanian, who follows up successful runs in London with his Fringe debut at Assembly George Square in Edinburgh from July 31 to August 25.
He will deliver his action-packed show, Who Are You?, which has his trademark satirical observations about life and laughter-filled journey of self-discovery.
Eastern Eye spoke to one of India’s finest comedic talents about his stand-up journey, fabulous-looking Fringe debut, influences and stage fright.
What first connected you to stand-up comedy?
My first time attending live stand-up comedy was in Mumbai, after which I distinctly remember feeling, “This is so awesome and so easy”. Only for me to realise – a year later – it is not at all easy and awesome, every one out of eight days.
What has been your most memorable performance?
I was part of the MICF Roadshow, in Hong Kong and Singapore in 2018. This was the first time I was performing to an audience with not a single Indian in it. I was nervous about how they would receive my jokes – will they find them funny, or even understand my accent? They laughed the moment I said “hello”. The best show ever.
Who have been your biggest comedy influences?
‘Life’ sounds too cliché, so I won’t say that. I don’t think I have been influenced by anyone as such, but comedians I have enjoyed watching are Brian Regan and Todd Barry.
How much are you looking forward to performing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
Extremely nervous, plus extremely excited equals I can’t wait to get there.
Tell us about the show that you will be presenting there.
The show is called Who Are You? It is about the journey of my life from doing engineering, then an MBA, and finally becoming a stand-up comedian, and the struggles that came with it. By the end of the show, not just me, but the audience will also realise that there was no point of naming this show Who Are You?
How much confidence does it give you when several Indian stand-up comedians have done brilliantly at the Edinburgh Fringe?
It is lovely to know that my friends have not only performed at the Fringe, but have also got rave reviews for their shows. And considering many of them will be there this time, it feels great. I will have enough shoulders to cry on in case I bomb.
Do you know if a joke will work before you go on stage?
There are some jokes I know will definitely work even before I have tried them on stage. These are very good to have. But there are certain jokes which I am unsure of. I will know only when I try them on stage. Surprisingly, these unsure ones are the ones that kill the hardest if they work (or bomb the hardest, if they don’t work).
Do you get nervous before going on stage?
I haven’t gotten nervous for a long time, but that is also mostly because I have been playing to my audience - ones who come because they want to specifically watch me. They are way more generous and kinder than a completely new audience (such as at the Fringe). So, my guess is, even though it’s been a long time since I have been nervous on stage, I might be during the first few minutes at the Fringe.
Has being funny got you out of trouble in real life?
Oh, yes! I have a whole set about it in my show. It’s about the time I got death threats for the jokes I did from (wait for it), DJs.
What is the comedy master plan going forward?
The three-step serial process is ‘don’t get too popular’, so that you can ‘avoid getting threats’, so that you can, ‘keep going on stage’.
Why should we all come watch your Edinburgh Fringe show?
If a chance to see someone from Mumbai - who graduated as an engineer and did an MBA - only to become a stand-up comedian and got threats for his jokes is not compelling enough, then I don’t know what else will be. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Rahul Subramanian: Who Are You? at Assembly George Square, Edinburgh from July 31-August 25. www.assemblyfestival.com & www.sohotheatre.com
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.