A comic relief amid COVID- Adnan Nalwala

Synopsis: The article talks about how the comedy industry is dealing with COVID-19, how the scenario has changed because of the restrictions. While most comedians have moved to the digital space and have curated their content according to the platform, the energy that the audience brings to a live set, is missing. The second half of the article mentions what Adnan Nalwala is doing to keep his audience engaged and help them feel better through his comedy.

Stand-up comedy is one of the most popular forms of entertainment for Millennials today. In a time when most stand up, shows would be sold out and house full, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought everything to a sudden standstill. While most comedians have gone completely digital with their content, Adnan Nalwala, entrepreneur cum comedian talks about engaging his audience while coping up with a pandemic. 

“A lot of work goes in preparing a set but when you perform it in front of an audience and you hear them laughing and having a good time, it feels very rewarding. The energy of the crowd and their participation in the act makes it all the more entertaining. But digital platforms restrict that.” Nalwala, who was born in Oman, has lived in eight countries and has done over 500 comedy shows, he is one of the most popular comedians in the middle east. Being an entrepreneur, a comedian and co-creator of an interactive card game, ‘spill it’ Adnan has been conducting several online shows.

“I have been part of several shows on platforms that allow video conference. I have fortunate to have been part of shows which was conducted across 3 different continents and three different time zones. It was an amazing experience as we had people share things they had to deal with the pandemic and how they have coped with it.”

Talking about the change that the comedy industry has gone through, Adnan Nalwala said, “The timing of jokes and also the style of delivery had to change as the attention span for the audience members is shorter when they are tuned in. Crowd work took a whole new spin and the background interference of spouses and children was a fun and challenging aspect to deal with. While the art form has been challenged in these times, I have spent a lot of time writing new material. We are amid a pandemic and it has been difficult for everyone, thankfully I have the means to add some joy in someone’s life. Through my set, I try to ensure that audience momentarily take a break from the hardships around them and laugh with me.”