Sumukhi Suresh on popularity of roasts in India: ‘Everyone likes to insult or listen to people being insulted. There is morbid fun in that’

You have seen her on stage, on screen, and now, probably even on the ramp, doing what she does best: making people laugh. According to Sumukhi Suresh, this is “just the beginning for me”.

Currently making a debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024 with her solo show ‘Hoemonal’, Sumukhi Suresh is also known for her powerful role in the web series Pushpavalli.

Talking to us about her journey, the stand-up artiste opens up about being the best at all she does, her much-talked-about show, being a comic, and the much-debated roast format. Read the edited excerpts below:

Q. This year brings a lot of firsts for you — being the only stand-up artiste to open a fashion show, making a debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Sumukhi Suresh: It is! Both are so distinct and wonderful. Opening for Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla’s show: I never thought that was a possibility. I mean, who would? Sandeep came for my Hoemonal show in Mumbai. After watching it, he called and asked me if I would open his show at the India Couture Week. I thought it was a joke, but there I was, on the ramp, wearing Asal (a new fashion label by the designer duo).

Fringe is a milestone for any performer. So to be here, perform every day, and watch shows by other artists is superb.

Q. Since your debut on the scene, you have donned many hats—that of a stand-up comic, actor, and entrepreneur. How would you sum up your journey?

Sumukhi Suresh: I think it’s just the beginning for me. The real fun will be to be the best at all these roles. It’s going to take time and I’m not in a hurry.

Q. Tell us about ‘Hoemonal’, the 5Ws and the 1H.

Sumukhi Suresh: Hoemonal is the stand-up solo that I am currently touring with. I started building this show during the pandemic and I have brought it to the Fringe Festival now. The show explores my failing to be a “hoe” while dealing with hormonal imbalances, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), and the fear of dying alone. I will be touring India one last time soon before I retire.

Q. While you have presented your latest show in India to a packed theatre, have you tweaked the content for your NRI audience?

Sumukhi Suresh: I had to reduce the length for The Fringe since you have only 55 minutes for the show. My show is primarily in English. I break into Tamil and Hindi once in a while. The show’s context is relatable and understandable so I stick as close to my voice as possible.

Q. Comics are often criticised for “crossing the line”. Personally, where do you draw that line?

Sumukhi Suresh: I double-check before making any statements and ensure I’m not being sensational, but speaking my truth.

Q. What, as per you, is the key to the audience’s laughter? How important is it for comic artistes to laugh at themselves to be taken seriously?

Sumukhi Suresh: Comedy is readily available nowadays, and one key is to use all emotions to get a laugh. Not only can a joke bring laughter, but so can shock, fear, nervousness, and sadness. It’s important to be able to laugh at yourself, but try not to be the butt of the joke. You’re fine as long as you are humble and open to being teased.

Q. The biggest misconception about comedians is…

Sumukhi Suresh: That we are always funny. Sometimes we are downright hilarious.

Q. Do you think a format like a roast is viable in India?

Sumukhi Suresh: Roast is loved by India. Everyone likes to insult or listen to people being insulted. There is morbid fun in that. Personally, I’m not a fan and avoid doing it.

Q. Why did you decide to tell your story via ‘Hoemonal’, and what about it, according to you, clicks with the audience?

Sumukhi Suresh: Stand-up is my best storytelling tool, so why not give my best by giving ‘Hoemonal’? I don’t try to be preachy or idealistic. I’m just telling an honest story. If you relate, then great; if not, that’s fine, too.

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