How funny business is drawing serious money in India

The art of selling humour has existed in India for decades, but stand-up comedy was once the sole preserve of the West

Good night, ladies and gentlemen, my name is…” The rest of it is drowned in the thunderous applause of a packed auditorium. Walking towards the exit gates, the clamorous chatter is all about hurting jaws and stiff bellies from hours of laughing. When India’s finest comics hold a mic and own the stage, the ones subjected to their wisecracks leave feeling even more special.

Their jokes might be forgotten but the names will be remembered — then Googled and searched on YouTube for videos that will be watched incessantly at home and at work, and thereafter shared on social media.