Dear Kapil Sharma, it's no longer funny
What's the story
So much unpleasantness has followed in the last one year since Kapil Sharma's now infamous in-flight brawl with Sunil Grover and other cast members, that it takes a while to realize he was India's most beloved comedian not so long ago. For three years, he was the weekend staple at every Indian household, adored for his earthy humor and relatable comedy. Until he wasn't.
Initial years
Kapil has won six seasons of Comedy Circus
Kapil's superstardom wasn't overnight. He had been proving his comic genius and emceeing prowess on television for over seven years before he got to launch his own show in 2013. He won The Great Indian Laughter Challenge in 2007 and followed it up with winning six seasons of Comedy Circus. He has also successfully hosted the sixth season of the popular dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.
Success
Ranked 11 on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list for 2016
Comedy Nights with Kapil ensured his direct entry not just in the living rooms of countless Indians but also everywhere else. He hosted three editions of Filmfare Awards alongside Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan and has featured in several celebrity talk/reality shows including The Anupam Kher Show and Dance India Dance. In 2016, Forbes India ranked him 11 on its Celebrity 100 list.
Fame
KBC or Koffee with Karan, Kapil has done it all
You know you are famous when Ambitabh Bhachchan invites you as a celebrity guest on his iconic game show, when Karan Johar wants you on his controversial couch for a chat over coffee, when Bollywood A-listers visit you to promote their film. Also, when your humble comedy show gets you your big Bollywood break and your tweets send the tabloid mills into a tizzy.
Information
Great expectations
I remember my father once saying how Kapil's show was a lesson to all the new-age comics who mistake crass for funny. He called him a clean comedian. He also prophesied that Kapil's success would last since he understood its value. Did he? Does he?
Downfall
'I am also a human being'
It is as if the Kapil-Sunil episode was sitting on a ticking bomb, waiting out its time. Reports of Kapil's starry tantrums (cancelled shoots, ill health, short temper) had already begun to surface, the acts on his rejigged outing for Sony, The Kapil Sharma Show, were a shadow of Comedy Nights. Kapil was cashing in on nostalgia. But he took too much for granted.
Aftermath
The ills of being famous and knowing it
You know you're falling when your Twitter becomes a sad spectacle of apologies/explanations, when you are reduced to making embarrassing jokes about your unprofessionalism to publicize your new show, when you go on an abusing spree on social media. I wonder what my father will say about this Kapil, who has had too much success and doesn't know what to do with it anymore.
Twitter Post
A new low: Kapil confirms his account wasn't hacked
Maine jo b likha tha apne dil se likha tha.. it was my team who deleted my tweets .. But main is kutte bikaayu reporter se darne wala nahi hu.. he can write anything for anybody just for few bucks. Shameless
— KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) April 7, 2018