‘Stand-up is still very new in India compared to other countries

Performing in India for the first time has been both grounding and energising for stand-up comedian Kru Harale. Now 38, Kru grew up in Mumbai and moved to Australia when she was 21. Returning to India as a comedian, she admits she didn’t know what to expect. Kru, who was in India to perform at the Brown Girls stand-up, says, “Like any city, it takes time to understand its rhythm, but I really enjoyed performing in Mumbai and want to do a lot more here.”

Her stand-up journey began organically about five years ago in Sydney. “Comedy went from a hobby to a side hustle, but I also continue my corporate job,” she shares. Talking about the difference in stand-up culture between India and Australia, she says, “People casually go for comedy shows on weeknights in Australia, but in India, people plan it for weekends. I feel stand-up is still very new in India compared to other countries. In Australia, I have the privilege to joke about politics or traditions. Here, I didn’t want to take that risk because the audience might be sensitive,” she says.

Despite the caution, Kru is optimistic about Indian comedy. “The scene has changed so much. I grew up watching Raju Srivastav and Kapil Sharma, but seeing women tour solo and do this full-time is incredible. As audiences grow, they’ll become more open too. I’m still a Bombay girl, and performing here feels like the beginning of something. I enjoyed my time here in India; the audience was really warm and welcoming."