Even when they’re talking over the phone for an interview, Aisi Taisi Democracy’s Rahul Ram (from rock veterans Indian Ocean) and Sanjay Rajoura (a stand-up comedian) have banter that would have anyone excited about seeing them live. The satire troupe, completed by comedian Varun Grover, have just wrapped up a three-city tour, which included shows in Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru between December 12 and 19.
Overall, this is the third time Aisi Taisi Democracy, who came together and began writing jokes, songs and satire in 2014, are taking their show on the road. Ram says, “For the second time in Bengaluru, second time, compared to what we did here three months ago, we did pretty much the same stuff. Not much has changed, except for the Bihar elections.” Ever since they kicked off live shows in September, the trio agree they’ve garnered some amount of success. Says Ram about a recent video performance of one show that released online on YouTube by Culture Machine, “It is our means of reaching out to people. If it works, then you can say we’ve been successful.” Their song, “Meri Saamnewali Sarhad Pe”, has been a hit of sorts as well. Rajoura says, “Everywhere I’ve gone, people have only asked me for that song. Every house I’ve gone to, every party I’ve been to, the first thing they ask me is to play that song.”
They’ve had a few people walk out of their shows, but that is not necessarily a deterrent or bad thing for Aisi Taisi Democracy. Ram recalls one fan in Mumbai who said he doesn’t agree with any of their political views, but “had a good time.” Ram adds, “I went touring in the U.S with Indian Ocean in September/October and at every show, someone came up to me and said, ‘Sir, that Aisi Taisi Democracy show is fantastic. When are we going to see it here?’ That was good to know.”
There are no plans to look abroad yet, though, with the aim solely being a pan-India English-speaking audience. They do admit their show won’t resonate with any Kannada, Marathi or any other regional language speakers. They appeal to young people who love Hindi and English humour. That makes perfect sense with regard to the content of their jokes. Rajoura adds, “The problem we are facing with this government is mostly with the English-speaking populace of this country and outside the country. What will a farmer want to do with us? We are just holding up a mirror to everyone and saying, ‘This is what we are’.” Ram and Rajoura have a bit of banter just then about whether the latter, a Jat, can bring his kind of people to the show. Rajoura assures Ram, “Don’t worry, I can get the Jats.”
The comedy though, often sung, often played as a skit or just a straight-forward conversation is not bound by any topics. Rajoura says, “All three of us, I feel, haven’t followed any rules our entire lives. If someone comes up to us and says ‘This is off limits’, we’re too old to give in to that. Too old, too funny and too angry.” Ram adds, “What a beautiful combination.”
