Don't mind Mr Modi, it's only Aisi Taisi Democracy
Humour is tragedy plus time. The three members of the prolific political satire group “Aisi Taisi Democracy” prove this maxim better than any other. The unholy trinity comprising Rahul Ram, bass player and vocalist of Delhi-based band Indian Ocean, Sanjay Rajoura, stand-up comedian from Delhi and Mumbai-based lyricist, Varun Grover, have taken it upon themselves to tickle people’s funny bone and jolt them into becoming aware of what’s happening in the country.
Take Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat campaign, for example. They call it an oxymoron, just like “good Taliban”, an “intelligent Rahul Gandhi” and a “happy marriage”. Or their viral YouTube song, "Mere Saamne Wali Sarhad Pe" (see video), which speaks of how the people of both nations have more in common than the perceived differences. Today, there’s even a Pakistani version of the song written by Muhammad Hassan Miraj, about a major in the Pakistan Army. That version stresses that leaders of both nations should not perpetuate negative messages.
Over the last decade, political satire has grown in popularity. While most fail because they limit themselves to ethnic differences, what sets this group apart is their ability to take a jab at politics and the choices people make, which is an unending source of inspiration.
Starting point
Aisi Taisi Democracy was not formed overnight. A few years ago Ram saw Rajoura perform, where he explained how songs in an act would take stand-up comedy to another level. After much deliberation, in May last year, Rajoura and Grover went to Ram with a new act called “Aisi Taisi Democracy”. Ram jumped at the opportunity. The next problem was to find a way to put together a script. Since they all lead hectic lives and are based out of different cities, the relied heavily on WhatsApp.
Taking centrestage
Before any show there is always a flurry of activity. Video cameras have to be set, chairs have to be placed in neat rows, lights have to be adjusted, microphones have to undergo numerous sound checks and the three men of the hour — Ram, Rajoura and Grover — can be found giving last minute interviews.
Soon, people begin trickling in, and within minutes it is a packed house. Of course, Grover quickly attributes the increase in attendance to the recent porn ban. “People have to find other entertainment options,” he says. The show begins with a chant, “Democracy mata ki jai”. They proceed to take jibes at democracy, highlighting its current sorry state. “This idea came up because Indians cannot handle democracy,” says Grover. "After all, we Indians have been using the demo version, and have been too thrifty to purchase the pro version. Pakistan, on the other hand, purchased its demo version from China and America."
Why so serious?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is their pet subject. From his fashion sense (the controversial monogrammed suit he wore) during the US tour, to his policies, everything finds space in their script. However, the trio’s secret weapon is clearly Ram.
In fact, his presence on stage, especially the songs he breaks into, like, “I’m a Babri doll” has many in the audience convulsing with laughter. Equally amusing are jokes on how most people of our country decided on rainbow DPs on Facebook, without understanding that it was for the LGBT community in America or how Anil Ambani would cope with giving up his LPG subscription.The porn ban was definitely a sore point, and several jokes revolved around it.
The verdict
Was it the funniest comedy?
Not really.
However, it did bring to light our use and abuse of democracy. But, is it worth a watch? Definitely! A word of caution: avoid going if you don’t know who our president is, or one of the latest entrant in India’s ban list; you will miss the punch line. (Aisi Taisi Democracy is undertaking a four-city tour in September: from Delhi, Mumbai to Bangalore and Kolkata.)