JEDDAH — Indian comedians Hamed Kamal and Subhani share a special bond of friendship spanning over four decades. They also have a deep understanding because when Kamal speaks in an effervescent tone while explaining several social issues, Subhani remains silent and mild-mannered. Popularly known as “Dedh Matwale (the pair of one and a half),” the duo have done several stand-up comedy shows in India, New York, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Qatar, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Kamal has also been involved in making several popular satirical short films on various sociopolitical issues. Speaking on the nature of comedy and how it has developed over the years, Kamal laments: “These days there is a lot of adult content in comedy and this should not be the case.” “Comedy does not mean that you have to compromise on values; this is only a misconception,” said Kamal. “Today producers justify this kind of content saying that it is the demand of the audience, but I guarantee that people equally enjoy clean and quality content.” Kamal explains that they were offered a stint on the Indian reality show “Comedy Circus,” but they did not like their approach toward humor. “They were not too keen on accepting the clean content we presented, instead they gave us writing that we could act out on stage. But this was filled with double entendres and adult content, which we could not go further with it,” said Kamal, adding that he is a supporter of humor which the complete family can enjoy. Kamal and Subhani write their own content for all of their shows and DVDs. Talking about performing as a pair, the duo said that it is their understanding which reflects on stage and helps them be spontaneous. “Often comedians repeat the exact same material in several performances, but we like to be spontaneous according to the audience's reactions,” said Kamal. The name “Dedh Matwale” is a play based on the height difference between the two friends. Subhani is nearly half the height of Kamal and this has resulted in them often essaying generational gap father-son roles on stage. Kamal explained that he finds it more difficult to make films than to do stand-up shows, since it is not possible to immediately assess the audience's reaction and modify the act accordingly. “In a film you are bound to a script, so it's difficult to assess how an audience will react to it. Also, there is the added tension associated up to the time a film releases to the audience. In shows we've developed a kind of confidence, so stress is not an issue,” said Kamal. Kamal stated that his soon-to-release DVD is titled “Readymade Dulha (Readymade Bridegroom).” He observed that though dowry is an impediment for marriage in India, even girls are very demanding in the kind of partner they want. “Girls too demand absolute perfection and come up with complaints like the suitor has a beard (which is unlikable to them), or has two unmarried sisters (which is an added responsibility). They idolize actors like Salman Khan and can't see beyond that,” said Kamal. Hence, his DVD takes a satirical approach to the processes involved in an arranged marriage. His previous works include a satire on fraud magicians who promise to relieve all of people's tensions. “I believe comedy can be a powerful tool to bring change, a social reform. This is why I like the comedy we perform to have a clean and simple message,” said Kamal. Kamal and Subhani have performed in the popular television reality show “Laughter Challenge,” aired on Sahara One. “We were well known for our stage shows, but ‘Laughter Challenge' gave us heightened popularity,” said Kamal. “Since the medium of television has opened up for aspiring comedians, they can take this up and benefit from it. When we started in 1976, this did not exist.” As their writing relies heavily on everyday situations, the pair advised aspiring comedians to develop keen observation skills. Kamal also said that they should always try out their material in front of friends and family before performing on stage. “Never be overconfident thinking that the material will always work. Today even I try out my writing in front of close family or friends before going on stage. Also, spontaneity on stage can really help,” said Kamal. Kamal and Subhani will present stand-up comedy acts on stage here Thursday, April 25. For further details and tickets contact on any of the following numbers: 05411033314, 0559390605, or 0502886247.
