Angad Singh Ranyal, seen in Sony TV’s India’s Laughter Champion, shares excerpts from his journey so far

You are an engineer with an MBA degree. How and when did you decide to become a stand-up comedian?

The decision happened organically. A lot of open mike events started happening in Mumbai when I was pursuing MBA and I started participating. After returning my education loan, I took the decision of becoming a stand-up comedian.

How did your family react to this?

My mother was surprisingly relaxed and wanted me to explore my choice. But my father was very worried, as I was dating my would-be wife then and he was apprehensive of me taking up comedy as a career. He was concerned about what my would-be wife’s family would think about me.

From where do you get your inspiration for comedy?

Nothing specific. It can come from anywhere. I have a notepad in my phone and whenever I get some interesting thoughts in my mind, I write them down and later use them in my acts.

What are your reasons to do a show like India’s Laughter Champion?

I always wanted to do something on television. When The Great Indian Laughter Challenge came on TV, I was first introduced to stand-up comedy. The same team, led by Pankaj Saraswat, is making India’s Laughter Champion, so I knew what kind of standard this show would have.

What do you have to say about the two judges—Shekhar Suman and Archana Puran Singh?

Shekhar Suman is someone whose technical feedback for the contestants is extremely important. On the other hand, Archana Puran Singh is like a representative of the common man. Every stand-up comedian looks for someone like her as a judge.

What does laughter mean to you?

Anything which comes to you as a surprise and puts a smile on your face is laughter. Sometimes I look for deeply evolved thoughts and sometimes silly jokes also make me smile.

There are days when you don’t want to do a comedy act, what do you do then?

That day you should remember how much you are getting paid for your performance! Yes, there are days when your body and mind are tired, and don’t want to work. I feel one should take a mental break then.

What’s your unfulfilled dream in comedy now?

Since childhood I have understood one thing—I am an entertainer. I want to do something on the lines of comedy only. I also want to play a villainous role in a film. My ultimate focus is on the silver screen and also a sitcom in the future.

Which is your favourite comedy film?

Hera Pheri is my all-time favourite. I also loved Circuit’s character in Munnabhai MBBS a lot.