From boardrooms to comedy clubs: Atul Khatri’s stand-up success story

Atul Khatri: The evening was a celebration of laughter, energy, and a fresh chapter in Atul Khatri’s career. Known for his ability to weave relatable humour with sharp observations, Khatri has built a reputation as one of India’s most cherished stand-up comedians. From running his family’s computer business to stepping into comedy at the age of 43, his journey has been anything but ordinary.

This evening, earlier in December, Khatri took the stage with a brand-new comedy show, reflecting his evolution as both a performer and a storyteller. Renowned for his ability to connect with audiences of all ages—from teenagers to senior citizens— Khatri’s latest set was no different, offering something for everyone while keeping the material fresh and engaging.

Having previously toured the world with his highly successful Daddy Cool show, Khatri spent over a year crafting this new set of material. “This is a brand-new show,” he shared before the performance.

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“It’s something I’ve been working on for the past year, and I’m really proud of it. Every time I write a new show, I try to evolve—both in my style and the content I bring to the stage. It’s been amazing to see the response so far, and I’m confident the audience in Gurgaon enjoyed it too,” he told Patriot.

The evolution of India’s comedy scene

Khatri, who entered the stand-up comedy scene in 2012, has witnessed the exponential growth of comedy in India. “When I started, the comedy scene was just beginning to take off in big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. But now, comedy has spread across smaller cities, and we’re hearing incredible new voices in languages like Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu,” he said. “It’s been amazing to see the scene grow and diversify, and I’m thrilled to be a part of that transformation.”

Platforms like YouTube and Instagram have played a pivotal role in this evolution, helping comedians reach audiences far beyond the big cities. Khatri credits social media for making comedy more accessible to a global audience. “A video can go viral overnight, and someone who was unknown just a week ago can become a star,” he says. “This has completely changed the game for comedians, and it’s been incredible to see how far comedy has come in India.”

Relatability: The secret to Khatri’s success

Khatri’s comedy is known for its broad appeal, effortlessly resonating with both younger and older audiences. His shows attract a wide range of viewers, from teenagers to senior citizens, all of whom find something in his humour that speaks to their experiences. “When I do a joke, the younger audience might think, ‘Oh, that’s what my father would say,’ and the older generation thinks, ‘Yes, that’s exactly how I feel,’” he added. “My goal is to create material that brings everyone together, regardless of their age or background. Comedy, at its best, is universal.”

At his recent show, Khatri delivered a fresh set of material that highlighted his growth as a performer. He shared humorous anecdotes from his personal life, including his experience attending the “wedding of the century” in 2024 as an influencer, his reflections on losing close friends to America, and hilarious stories about his wife, two daughters, and his grandson—who, as Khatri proudly shared, is an Indie dog named “Mr. Butter Khatri.” “Comedy is about sharing your life with the audience in a way that they can relate to,” Khatri says. “It’s about telling stories that everyone has lived in one way or another.”

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Gurgaon: A melting pot for comedy

The audience in Gurgaon was a key part of the night’s success. Khatri has long had a special connection with the city, describing it as a “melting pot” of people from all over the world. “Gurgaon is such a diverse city, and the audience here is incredibly receptive to comedy. It’s a mix of people from Delhi, from across India, and even from abroad. That makes the crowd here so much more international and fun to perform for,” he says.

“It’s amazing how Gurgaon has become a central point for comedy in India,” he said. “The Laugh Club at DLF Cyber Hub has become one of the best comedy venues in the country. The development of places like this has played a huge role in growing the comedy scene.”

The art of reinvention

“As a comedian, there’s always that pressure to write something better, something funnier, something new. But that’s what keeps me going. This new show is a reflection of my journey over the last year, and I think I have managed to bring something fresh to the table,” he says.

The connection Khatri forms with his audience remains at the heart of his success. “The best compliment I get as a comedian is when someone comes up to me after the show and says, ‘Oh my god, that’s exactly what happened to me too!’ When you bring that kind of relatability to your material, it makes the audience feel like they are part of your world,” Khatri says.

Advice for aspiring comedians

Khatri advises aspiring comedians to experience live comedy performances. He emphasises the importance of watching comedy in person, as it offers a unique chance to feel the energy of the crowd and understand what resonates with audiences. “It’s a much better experience live,” he says. “Writers and performers should write original content, perform as often as possible, and stay true to their unique voices. Stealing jokes from others, whether from India or abroad, never works.”

As Khatri continues to leave his mark on India’s comedy scene, his ability to evolve with the times and connect with audiences of all kinds keeps him at the top of his game.