Just For Laughs

A Mumbai-based businessman, Atul Khatri switched the gears of his career at 44 to become a stand-up comedian. Since then, he has performed at many international shows, sending the audience into a laughing fit with his middle-class life anecdotes and jokes surrounding fatherhood. The comedian speaks to Simrran Gill about his sets, dealing with trolls, and the best compliment he has received.

Atul Khatri
STAND-UP COMEDIAN

You were a businessman who moved to comedy much later in life. What prompted you to change your career?

I was 44 and the CEO of an IT company. I handled sales, service, and worked continuously. My wife egged me and told me to have more to life than just work. I used to enjoy comedy and in 2011, the comedy [scene] was just starting in India, and I saw a few open mics. It was a new year resolution for 2012; I went for an open mic in February. The thought of going on stage and making people laugh got me hooked. After four years of doing both my job and comedy, I quit my IT job to do full time comedy.

How difficult was it to navigate the challenges of a new career?