I'd love to do stand-up comedy: Hirjee

Vrajesh Hirjee says that unlike other reality shows, the format of ‘Zor Ka Jhatka’ makes it impossible to be fixed or scripted....
Where have you been this long?
I was in a show called “Shree Adi Manav” and then “Golmaal 3”, and I was also hosting a breakfast show on radio, which is Bombay-based. I’ve acted in a couple of films that are ready for release, one children’s film called “Kalpavriksh” and an Islamic social film which is kind of ready.And now “Zor Ka Jhatka”.
How was it doing “Zor Ka Jhatka”?
It’s not fiction, so I’m me. It’s difficult to explain because there’s not much happening. You have to see the show to believe it, it’s incredibly funny. It makes for great family viewing. It’s neither a dance reality show nor a “Bigg Boss”, it’s a novel concept.
These days reality shows are under the scanner, what with allegations of winners decided beforehand, not to mention some controversial content... Are you skeptical about your show?
Not at all. There is no chance of this show being fixed or scripted. The format makes it impossible. And there is no content that would make a family audience stay away. In fact, kids will freak out on the show.
What is your take on reality shows on Indian TV?
There is, of course, some reality that is not up my street because I don’t know if, as a person, I’ll be able to handle it. But it is fantastic entertainment for viewers and TV is constantly evolving and maturing because now, you have a menu of viewing options available.
From your “Sorry Meri Lorry” days to “Zor Ka Jhatka”, how would you describe the way TV has evolved?
It’s been a superb ride. But I’ll tell you something, you take “SML” and you take the stand-up acts happening now... the seed was sown then. Now you have a reality theme format, but essentially, the idea behind a “SML” or the shows that we see now, is entertainment. Or, take a “Tara” and take a daily soap today.... As Indians, we have a strong background in storytelling. So we are telling stories, and those stories are evolving.
If you take a “SML” or a “Tara”, the format was more original. Now everything is influenced by Western TV shows. Do you agree?
If you take the comedy show format then “Saturday Night Live” is the baap of all comic shows. It’s worked the world over, so why would you not want to do that? Everything has an origin, but the point is that you need to take a step forward. I don’t think the shows we have are a fax copy of Western shows. So I don’t agree that there were more original ideas earlier.
Stand-up comedy seems to have caught on big time. Would you like to be part of it at some point?
I’d love to. I really haven’t followed stand-up comedy, but I think Krushna and Sudesh are very funny.