Bastar-born comic Manjeet Sarkar tours India with new show on caste and identity

BENGALURU: Stand-up comedian Manjeet Sarkar, who hails from Bastar, is currently touring his latest show Meanwhile across India, using the stage to explore themes of caste, identity, and the personal cost of political humour.

Sarkar’s journey to comedy began in a refugee village in Chhattisgarh, where he attended school primarily to access mid-day meals and avoid child labour. He eventually enrolled in a pharmacy course in Odisha around 2016, where internet access introduced him to global comedians and civil rights leaders. After discovering stand-up through the film Masaan, he relocated to Mumbai and eventually settled in Bengaluru, working call centre jobs while performing daily at open mic nights.

His comedic voice crystallised during a performance where he addressed caste dynamics, telling an upper-caste audience to "take a joke. Like you used to take our lands". Despite the commercial trade-offs of political comedy, which include losing out on brand deals and corporate events, he achieved a major milestone by becoming the first Indian comic invited to perform at the United Nations in Bangkok in 2023. His current 22-city tour for Meanwhile includes stops in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi, with tickets priced at Rs 499.

Sarkar actively resists the label of a "Dalit comedian," arguing that marginalised voices are often unfairly categorised when discussing their own lived experiences. He notes that while the Indian stand-up scene has diversified, the industry still holds a narrow template for what constitutes mainstream comedy, often pigeonholing artists from outside urban, middle-class backgrounds. The premise of Meanwhile examines the absurdity of everyday behaviour, nationalism, and power structures, asking audiences to question the status quo.

This tour also marks a strategic shift in his approach to content distribution. Unlike his previous special Democrazy, which he felt was tailored for online engagement, Sarkar has chosen not to immediately record or release Meanwhile on digital platforms. He stated that he wants the material to evolve organically on stage before considering an international tour, noting that he no longer wants to feel like he is "working for Instagram".

As he continues to refine his material, Sarkar remains focused on the foundational reason he entered the profession, aiming to challenge audiences and share his discomforts rather than merely providing entertainment.