Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi recently shared his thoughts on the current state of comedy in Indian cinema. In an interview, he voiced his concern that pure comedy films have become increasingly rare in the industry today.
The Decline of Pure Comedy
Bedi cited beloved classics like “Chupke Chupke,” “Chashme Buddoor,” “Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi,” and “Padosan,” pointing out how each character in these films exhibited a natural sense of humor. He feels this quality is largely absent in contemporary movies and stressed the importance of genuine comedic storytelling on the big screen.
He remarked, “I feel that these days, comedy films are not being made. Nobody is making comedy films. I am talking about pure comedy. I am not talking about a comedy in a film. I am not even talking about a comedian in a film. For example, Hrishikesh’s film was Chupke Chupke. It is a cult film, Chupke Chupke. It is a comedy film. There is no comedian in it.”
A Personal Perspective
Bedi elaborated on the characteristics of these classic films: “Every character has a humorous bend. Bend of mind of every character. In the same way, Chashme Baddur was there. In the same way, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi was there. Or Padosan was there. So, in our country, the average of comedy films is very low. I think one pure comedy film per decade is the average in our country.”
He also praised the two successful serials, “Bhabhi Ji Ghar Pe Hain” and “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,” noting, “Coincidentally, I am in both of them. Both of them are very big hits in their respective places. Humor in both of them runs at a very natural level. Otherwise, such a long comedy cannot run. So, these are two such serials that are experimenting in comedy. They are venturing out. Nobody else is doing it.”
A Comedic Legacy
Rakesh Bedi, known for his impeccable comic timing, has appeared in numerous popular films, gaining recognition for his roles in “Chashme Buddoor,” “Sharaabi,” “Chitchor,” “Khatta Meetha,” and “Baton Baton Mein.” He has also made a significant mark on television, particularly with the iconic show “Shrimaan Shrimati.”