You can’t get funnier than Jaspal Bhatti. Jaspal, who started his career as a cartoonist for a daily, rose to fame with his extremely hilarious and successful TV series Flop Show in 1989.

Last seen in the 2006 blockbuster Fanaa, Jaspal now returns to limelight as a judge on SAB TV’s reality show Comedy Ka King Kaun?

The humourous Bhatti speaks on his new role, state of comedy, Navjot Sidhu and more in an exclusive chat with Mayur Lookhar.

‘Flop show’ was a huge success. Today’s shows seldom make us laugh. Comment.
Yes, that’s true. Repetitive jokes irate viewers. When said loudly, it tends to irritate more. When they don’t have any new content, they resort to cheap and vulgar jokes which completely drive away the viewers. One mustn’t lose sight of the fact that you’re catering to a family audience. As a judge, it’s my duty to reprimand them when they resort to such cheap measures.

Some of the artists in your show are seasoned pros. Does criticism lead to ego clashes?
That’s very much a possibility but fortunately, I’m in this profession much before than most of them. So far, they’ve taken everything in the right spirit. I make them realise their mistake in a very analytical manner. Criticism apart, there is also an opportunity for me to learn something form them.

With comedy at its ebb we need Jaspal Bhatti to perform rather than judge. Do you agree?
Yes, at times I too feel the need to step out of my judge’s chair and perform. I’ve been in this field for two decades Perhaps, I’ve played my part. My family members are no longer fond of my jokes. My family often jibes at me saying instead of sitting idle why don’t I become a judge on any show. Besides, aaj kal judge ban ne ka fashion sa chal gaya hai (being judge on a show has become a trend).

Your wife has been a part of most of your ventures. Why don’t we see her with you in Comedy Ka King Kaun?
(Laughs) Well, having her would have only led to major disagreements. We seldom agree with each other. I would have never given proper judgment with her at my side.

What’s your criterion for judging?
It all boils down to three factors – spontaneity, originality and timing. These artists are masters in stand-up acts but they err in gags and jugalbandi (duet acts).

Pakistani contestants often draw flak for indulging in vulgarity. Do you agree?
That’s true and I’m going to reprimand them the moment they resort to it. Such humour is very popular in Pakistan so if you take that away from them then they are left with no content.

How does Divya Dutta fare as a co-judge?
She’s a brilliant actress and that’s her primary task here. Kai baar aisa bhi hota ki, kisi cheez main koi acting nahi par Divya phirbhi judge karti hai. Jokes apart, it’s important to have two distinctive judges. I tend to be very critical and having another one like me won’t make for the ideal jury. After all, you do need one of the judges to laugh.

Isn’t there an overdose of comedy?
Unfortunately, the moment a particular thing works, all channels want to tap it. Often you find directors, who usually thrive on tragedy, resorting to comedy shows. Comedy is like a chutni which tastes good if taken in small proportion.

As a comic actor, you surely must have got more offers for television?
I was the preferred choice for Laughter Challenge but I refused it then as I didn’t wanted to be confined to just laughing. I can’t be Navjot Sidhu. In fact, I did quiz him once as to how he could laugh on each and every joke, to which he replied that even when he doesn’t laugh to a joke, they play some of his old laugh tapes.

You’ve made very few appearances on TV. Was it a conscious decision to do less work?
Well, there weren’t many channels then. Besides, I had to look after my MAD (Media and Digital) school. This took away a lot of my time and thus there wasn’t much space to do anything else.

Your super hit film Mahaul Theek Hai (Everything’s fine) was a satire on corrupt Punjab policemen. Can we say Mahaul Theek Hai when it comes to comedy today?
(Laughs) But the time is right for these comedians, judges and the channels. After all, everyone is making money irrespective of the fact whether there’s comedy or not.

You’ve voiced your concern against inflation. With commodity prices soaring high again will you do the same?
Yes, it won’t be any different now. Last time, I purchased loads of onions and deposited in my vault in the bank as I feared they’ll be looted in my house. We have a ‘Nonsense Club’ in Chandigarh and time and again we’ve voiced our concern against inflation through such funny acts. Corruption in politics is another issue that I want to tap though my forthcoming film.