Gaurav Kapoor

Gaurav Kapoor, the rising star of the Indian stand-up comedy circuit, has carved a niche for himself with his unique brand of storytelling. From his observational and anecdotal comedy to dabbling in dark humor, he has been captivating audiences with his funny take on everyday life. In this article, we explore the journey and style of this Delhi-based comedian, as well as his thoughts on the evolving comedy scene in India.

🎭 Early Life and Education

Gaurav Kapoor’s journey in the world of comedy started from humble beginnings, shaped by his early life and education.

• Birthdate and Birthplace: Gaurav Kapoor was born on 30th November 1987 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
• Schooling: He attended Sumermal Jain Public School in Janakpuri, New Delhi, for his schooling.
• Graduation: Gaurav pursued his graduation in journalism from Maharaja Agrasen College, University of Delhi, from 2007 to 2010.
• Post-Graduation: Following his passion for fashion, he completed his post-graduation in fashion management from the National Institute of Fashion Technology in 2011-2013.

“Let’s get this straight first, I am not a joke writer. I am a storyteller. I weave stories out of things that I see and experience. People just find the way I see things as funny.” – Gaurav Kapoor

💼 Corporate Career and Transition to Comedy

Gaurav Kapoor’s corporate stint and his decision to transition to comedy mark significant milestones in his life.

• Gaurav ventured into the corporate world, working as a retail planner at ‘Reliance Brands Limited,’ and later as an assistant manager at ‘Celio’ and ‘Pantaloons.’
• Despite his corporate pursuits, Gaurav’s humor shone through as he was nominated as the ‘funniest guy’ in various office events.
• The turning point in his life came when he decided to take a leap of faith and pursue stand-up comedy full-time, leaving behind the security of a corporate job.

“I don’t strive to write jokes or make people laugh, the situations I imagine should just make me laugh.” – Gaurav Kapoor

🎤 Rise in Comedy Circuit

Gaurav Kapoor’s rise to fame in the comedy circuit is a testament to his talent and unique style of comedy.

• Gaurav’s talent quickly gained recognition in Mumbai’s comedy circuit, and he made a mark by winning various open mic competitions.
• His career took a significant leap when he got the opportunity to open shows for renowned comedians like ‘Russell Peters’ and ‘Vir Das’ during their ‘Almost Famous World Tour’ in Delhi.
• In 2018, Gaurav achieved a major milestone with the release of his solo stand-up special, ‘Hahakaar,’ on Amazon Prime Video, where he hilariously showcased his life experiences and random jokes.

“I have never faced the problem of having a tough audience who refused to laugh at my jokes.” – Gaurav Kapoor

🚀 Gaurav’s Comedy Style and Advocacy

Gaurav Kapoor’s style of comedy sets him apart as a versatile performer in the Indian comedy circuit. His ability to weave stories out of everyday life experiences, combined with a mix of observational and anecdotal humor, makes his performances relatable and entertaining. Beyond comedy, Gaurav also advocates for positive changes in the comedy industry and stands up against online abuse.

• Comedy Genre: Gaurav’s comedy genre revolves around observational and anecdotal humor, where he finds the funny side of things in his daily life experiences.
• Unique Storytelling: He believes that being a storyteller, rather than a joke writer, is his strength, and it allows him to connect with his audience on a deeper level.
• Advocacy against Online Abuse: Gaurav has been vocal in supporting his friend Agrima Joshua when she faced online abuse, encouraging the audience to stop idealizing malicious individuals.

“Let’s get this straight first, I am not a joke writer. I am a storyteller. I weave stories out of things that I see and experience. People just find the way I see things as funny.” – Gaurav Kapoor

📺 Gaurav’s YouTube Presence and Impact

In the digital age, Gaurav Kapoor has leveraged his YouTube channel to reach a massive fanbase and showcase his unique brand of comedy. With millions of views on his videos, he has earned a dedicated following. Despite the challenges of gathering a live audience, Gaurav continues to captivate his fans with engaging content and a personal touch.

• YouTube Stardom: Gaurav’s YouTube channel has attracted over two million views on each video, making him a popular comedian on the platform.
• Balancing Online and Live Performances: While he values the empowerment of performing on stage, he acknowledges the challenges of selling tickets for live shows and continues to create compelling content for his online audience.
• Reinventing Comedy: Gaurav regularly diversifies his content, vlogging, and exploring new formats to keep his fans engaged and entertained.

“I have two million views on my videos on YouTube, but it’s not easy to sell tickets. Plus, you need to learn how to diversify … I regularly do YouTube video and create interesting content for social media. I vlog a lot too … The key is to keep re-inventing yourself.” – Gaurav Kapoor

👪 Personal Life and Advocacy

Gaurav Kapoor’s personal life and advocacy reflect his commitment to stand up for what he believes in.

• Gaurav hails from a close-knit family with parents Yugal Kapoor and Sunita Kapoor, and siblings Prateek Kapoor, Kritik Kapoor, and Kritika Kapoor.
• He tied the knot with Shreya Sharma on 28th February 2017, embarking on a journey of laughter and companionship.

“I don’t want to go jail basically, but while writing we are often very considerate about how people will take to it. And while performing, you get a sense if a joke lands or not … I am willing to let go of the remaining five per cent.” – Gaurav Kapoor