TLC Launches ‘Queens Of Comedy,’ India’s First Female Comedy Show

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Entertainment | July 25, 2017 | News

TLC Queens of Comedy

The comedy genre has exploded over the last few years in India with new comedy clubs sprouting and stand-up comedians achieving celebrity status. However, the limelight seems to be squarely focused on the men with very few women making a mark in this burgeoning space. Given the scenario, lifestyle channel TLC is launching ‘Queens of Comedy’– India’s first-ever female comedy show. Queens of Comedy provides a unique platform to talented female comedians to compete with the best and prove that when it comes to being funny, they can give men a run for their money!

All entries will be uploaded on the QoC microsite www.queensofcomedy.in. The 50 shortlisted entries will be opened for voting where the audience can rate them on a scale of ‘ROFL’ to ‘HAHA’ and ‘NAY’. The top eight shortlisted contestants will battle against each other and feature in the reality show on TLC in their quest to be India’s next female comedy sensation. TLC is calling out to women across India to come forward and lay their claim to the title of Queen of Comedy.

The show will be judged by three acclaimed artists. The first of these, Actor Richa Chadha, comedian Rohan Joshi; and Kaneez Surka - one of the first improvisers in the country. Varun Thakur of ‘Struggling Actor Vicky Malhotra’ fame will host the show, which will premiere on September 24, and will air on weekends at 10 pm, on TLC.

Zulfia Waris, Business Head - Female & Family Entertainment Products, Discovery Communications India, said, “There is a strong perception that women are not inherently funny and take themselves very seriously. Queens Of Comedy will change the way how females are perceived in the comedy circuit in India. With their insights and perspectives, women can combine humor and self-deprecating wit with hilarious results. Queens Of Comedy is the first of many new shows that we plan to launch targeted at the Indian female millennials,” added Zulfia.

Talking about the show, Richa Chadha said, “Women in our society are expected to be quiet, well-mannered and submissive while men are encouraged to be flamboyant, opinionated and even combative. So, it is not surprising that women are under-represented in the comedy circuit in India. I think there has been a dearth of investment and platforms to showcase their talent. TLC’s initiative to launch India’s first ever female TV comedy show is a significant step forward to address this gap. I am extremely excited to be part of this breakthrough show.”

Rohan Joshi added, “Comedy is a very potent tool. The mike in your handgives you the power to speak your mind while the world takes note. While being fun, comedy can also empower. I would encourage any and every woman to participate and bring their funniest selves forward and show the world what they’ve got!”

“It is important for television to reflect a range of voices – share new and different stories. Queens of Comedy has a completely fresh, uninhibited outlook. I am delighted that the show has adopted digital format of entries which makes it democratic and easy for women to participate.  It is dramatically different from all the physical toils we went through when I started,” said Kaneez Surka.

Host Varun Thakur added, “Women deserve every chance and opportunity to put their best selves forward in any field they choose to. The opportunities to do this in comedy were limited. Hence a show like QOC becomes paramount and I would encourage all the women out there who love comedy to give this a shot. Because in finding the funny you may also end up finding yourself!”