Navin Noronha – The Good Child

Navin Noronha, the talented comedian and India’s first queer comic, recently released his highly anticipated comedy special, ‘The Good Child,’ on YouTube. After four years of hard work and dedication, Noronha first took the show on tour in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted live performances. However, he didn’t let that stop him. Noronha continued to develop the show through online platforms like Zoom during the lockdown, and once restrictions were lifted, he hit the road to refine the hour-long special.

In an Instagram post shared before the release, Noronha expressed his excitement, calling ‘The Good Child’ a “life’s culmination in the form of jokes.” However, despite his enthusiasm, he couldn’t help but feel nervous. “I’m feeling all the weird feelings,” he confessed. “I’m not able to eat anything. Right now my appetite is in flux. I have a show tonight in Delhi, and I can’t even focus on that right now.”

What makes ‘The Good Child’ even more special is that it is being released during Pride Month, just a week after Noronha’s favorite American queer comic, Mateo Lane, released his special, ‘Hairplugs & Heartaches.’ According to Noronha, this is an unprecedented moment for Indian comedy. “Nothing like this has ever been done before in this country, ever,” he said. “It’s the first of its kind. And also, you see me very much in my element. I’m having a full-on blast. You can see I’m in makeup, I’m wearing my favorite shirt, I’m just doing my little dancey-dance. I’m really, really in my element. And [the night it was recorded] was just perfect.”

Noronha hopes that ‘The Good Child’ will make a statement and showcase the thriving queer community in India. “People should watch ‘The Good Child’ to know that queer people are thriving. We are doing what we’re supposed to do,” he emphasized. “For now, listen to mine. That’s the whole point.”

The journey to popularity hasn’t always been easy for Noronha, and he acknowledges the challenges he has faced. Reflecting on his younger self, he laughed and said, “You’re a good child! You’re on the right track!” He believes that every experience he has gone through has shaped him into the person he is today.

In addition to the comedy special, Noronha surprised his fans by revealing that he has also created a rap song for ‘The Good Child.’ “I’ve never announced this, but Encore (Ankur Johar), who is also a rapper, and Vedang (Deshpande), who is a producer, helped me make a track for the show,” he shared. “So, you’ll hear it at the beginning of the show, and we’ll also do the credits with me singing and rapping. Whodathunk?!”

Following the release of ‘The Good Child,’ Noronha has exciting plans in store. In July, he will begin workshopping a trial show called ‘Average Adult.’ He has also co-written, consulted, and featured on a show with VICE, which will be featured on a major streaming platform in September. Looking even further ahead, Noronha expressed his desire to perform at the Utrecht International Comedy Festival in the Netherlands next year. He aims to showcase India’s queer voice on an international stage and let the world know that it is thriving.

With his debut comedy special, Navin Noronha has made history in Indian comedy and has become a powerful voice for the queer community. As ‘The Good Child’ spreads laughter and joy, it is a testament to Noronha’s talent, resilience, and determination to make a positive impact in the world of comedy.