Ep 3. Off Topic with Tanmay

In the third episode of Comicstaan season 1, the focus shifts from the contestants' stand-up routines to a more informal setting. Host Tanmay Bhat presents "Off Topic with Tanmay," where the contestants engage in conversations on a range of topics that are not related to stand-up comedy.

The show begins with Tanmay introducing the contestants to his topic du jour - "weird phobias." Aditi Mittal kicks off the discussion by sharing her fear of footwear, while Rahul Dua reveals that he is afraid of being alone in the dark. The group takes turns sharing their irrational fears, with some of them getting increasingly absurd. Kanan Gill's phobia of cardboard leads the group to burst out in peals of laughter.

The next topic Tanmay throws at them is "unusual hobbies." Naveen Richard starts by talking about his passion for woodworking, which turns out to be not so unusual. Akash Gaurav Singh then reveals his love for crushing plastic bottles to relieve stress, while Sejal Bhat tells everyone about her interest in astrology. Through this conversation, the contestants get to know each other better and find common ground despite their differences.

The group then veers off into a more serious discussion when Tanmay asks them about their influences and inspirations. Kaneez Surka talks about how the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York inspired her to pursue improv comedy, while Sapan Verma speaks about how Eddie Murphy and Paresh Rawal influenced his comedic style. The conversation then tapers off into a discussion on political correctness in comedy, with some of the contestants expressing their opinions on where to draw the line when making jokes.

As the show progresses, Tanmay throws more curveballs at the contestants. They discuss their favorite childhood shows, their phobias of public speaking, and their most embarrassing moments on stage. At one point, Tanmay even brings out a giant-sized Jenga game, which leads to hilariously tense moments as the contestants try to delicately remove a block from the tower without bringing it crumbling down.

Throughout the episode, Tanmay manages to elicit honest, funny, and insightful responses from the contestants. By the end of the show, they have laughed, bonded, and revealed aspects of their personalities and backgrounds that may not have been apparent during their stand-up routines. The audience is left with a behind-the-scenes look at the personalities behind the comedians, adding a layer of depth and nuance to their performances.

The third episode of Comicstaan season 1 is a fun, lighthearted departure from the high-stakes competition that the show is known for. The camaraderie between the contestants is infectious, and Tanmay's humorous and warm hosting style creates an engaging atmosphere that draws the audience in. Off Topic with Tanmay is a refreshing addition to the show, showcasing the diverse personalities and interests that make the world of comedy such a vibrant and eclectic space.