Sunil Grover's Mad In India shuts shop; is Kapil Sharma smiling?

Sunil Grover, hitherto a regular stand-up comedian, shot to immense fame playing the obnoxious frothing, frowning and giggling lady character Gutthi in Comedy Nights with Kapil, airing on Colors.
The character Gutthi became larger than life, which as per source information and media reports pumped
Sunil’s ego who by then had already given wind and wings to his ambitions.
His decision to move out of the show that made him a household name came as a shocker to many.
So what did Sunil do after exiting Comedy Nights? Well, he went on to spearhead his own show on rival channel Star Plus, Mad In India.
Thus, became the game of comparisons. Who’s better Comedy or Mad? Sunil or Kapil?
Yes, Sunil did come as a threat to the channel and the makers of Comedy (K9 and SOL), or else why would they resort to legal means against
Sunil. Colors made all efforts to stop Sunil from using or mimicking the Gutthi avatar in other platforms. After all, it was their creation and it was close to their heart.
But a resilient Sunil went on with his plans and started entertaining viewers as Chutki, a character very similar to Gutthi, on Mad In India.
Yes, people did switch on to Star Plus to check out Sunil’s act. But alas, soon they had to reach for their remote to find comic solace in some other offering, in some other channel.
Mad In India tanked. The show initially looked like a big circus on stage, with a script that was more
horrendous than hilarious. With low TRPs, the channel creatives made frantic conceptual changes. Manish Paul was sent out thus bringing in Chunkey Pandey and Krushna Abhishek. Chutki aka Sunil was seen more on screen, making desperate attempts to connect with the masses.
But nothing worked. The series which was meant to air 26 episodes is set to wrap up after airing13 episodes. Three more episodes to go before it breathes its last on 4 May (2014).
With Sunil’s show shutting shop, is his professional rival Kapil having a hearty laugh? It’s true Kapil has always maintained that he has no bones against Sunil, but on and off on the sets of Comedy, creatives have been heard discussing the progression of Sunil’s show, which is quite natural as competitors. With Mad In India gone, Kapil will surely breathe easy and thump his authority more in the comic genre.
So why did Sunil fail? It could be a creative miss but what could have also choked Sunil and his intelligence was the burden to outperform Kapil and his histrionics.
Comedy and any form of art should flow like a cascade, serenading the senses of the viewers. Anything under pressure, that too negative, could prove to be fatal.
There are reports that Sunil might return to Comedy Nights. If at all that happens, it would be a visual treat for viewers. Now it would depend on Sunil and Kapil looking at the larger picture, letting go minor differences and connecting creatively to gift viewers a comic orgasm, together.
We texted Sunil to learn about his future plans but he kept busy shooting.
Kapil as usual remained out of reach.
Comedian Krushna Abhishek steps in for Sunil Grover

The latest on the tube is that for STAR Plus’ Holi Masti Gulal Ki produced by FRAMES Productions Pvt Ltd., comedian Krushna Abhishek who is seen on a rival channel has stepped into Sunil Grover’s shoes for the Holi special ‘Masti Gulal Ki.
It so happened that the latter - Sunil Grover aka ‘Chutki’ who was
earlier approached, has been very busy shooting for his show Mad In India
alongside his film and due to prior commitments he could not be a part
of the Holi special on the channel. Hence, Krushna like the lord came to
the rescue and will be seen stepping into Sunil’s role to tickle the
funny bones of the viewers.
Krushna who seemed more than happy to step into Chutki’s shoes said, “I love comedy so I would never miss out on any opportunity to perform. STAR Plus’ ‘Water-Free Holi’ initiative is really unique & eco-friendly and I’m glad we will be playing Holi this year with just organic colours and flowers. I have some surprises for the viewers as they’ll see me in different get ups in the show. Do watch me and play the Holi in STAR PLUS way, conserve the water and have a safe Holi.”
Guess, Sunil’s loss has become Krushna’s gain. Sigh! But who is complaining? We say- All’s well that ends well!
‘Masti Gulal Ki’ is a unique initiative by STAR Plus where you will get to see all your favorite stars play a water-free Holi and dance to some fun and romantic numbers. It will air on 16 March at 12.30pm.
Krushna is also hosting the upcoming season of Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega on Sony along with Mona Singh.
Krushna who seemed more than happy to step into Chutki’s shoes said, “I love comedy so I would never miss out on any opportunity to perform. STAR Plus’ ‘Water-Free Holi’ initiative is really unique & eco-friendly and I’m glad we will be playing Holi this year with just organic colours and flowers. I have some surprises for the viewers as they’ll see me in different get ups in the show. Do watch me and play the Holi in STAR PLUS way, conserve the water and have a safe Holi.”
Guess, Sunil’s loss has become Krushna’s gain. Sigh! But who is complaining? We say- All’s well that ends well!
‘Masti Gulal Ki’ is a unique initiative by STAR Plus where you will get to see all your favorite stars play a water-free Holi and dance to some fun and romantic numbers. It will air on 16 March at 12.30pm.
Krushna is also hosting the upcoming season of Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega on Sony along with Mona Singh.

Tired of comedy shows encashing on cross-dressing antics? Sunil Grover’s
Gutthi on Comedy Nights With Kapil who started the men-in-sarees brand
of humour has decided to go easy on the gender benders.
On his show Mad In India Grover would now play two roles, the popular female avatar Chutki and a brand new avatar as a boy named Sabjee.
“The idea is to expand the band-width of the humour from gender
differences to a more broad-based appeal. It is hoped that Grover’s
kid-avatar Sabjee would become as popular as Grover’s female avatars.”
Sunil Grover’s Mad In India
is on a damage-control spree. We now hear the show has roped in
cricketer Harbhajan Singh for a tete-a-tete with Sunil Grover who will
appear on before the cricketer as a child eager to learn the ropes of
the game from the champ.
Says a source close to the show, “The producers (Keylight) wanted
Grover to come on the show as Chutki to interview Harbhajan Singh. But
Grover doesn’t want to make the cross-dressing the show’s talking-point.
Hence the child.”
Furthermore, actors Sharman Joshi and Mahie Gill will be on the sets
today to shoot for the promotional activity of their upcoming movie Gang of Ghosts. The episode will air in the coming days.
Udit Narayan and Mika’s 'war of songs' in Star Plus' Mad In India

Star Plus’ ‘Mad in India- 100 % Desi Show’ has been spreading the madness since its launch and there is surely more craziness expected. But what happens when the music industry’s two completely opposite personalities share the same stage? One is bound to witness a war and that is exactly what happened.
The singing sensation Udit Narayan, who has managed to draw a connect with his brilliant voice, and the Punjabi heartthrob Mika Singh, who sang his way through many hearts, decided to get down on the floor to compete with each other and it left audience in splits.
Yes, this was some serious business which eventually turned into a laughter gas. When Manish Paul requested the two to sing, Udit and Mika got into a fun war of songs, where the two sang the same songs in many languages. To everyone’s surprise they sang in Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati and more!
We wonder if this was all in the name of fun or the two were trying to hint at something else. All we say is War chhod na yaar!
The episode will air this Sunday at 9pm.
We aren't here to compete or demean people: Manish Paul

Manish Paul, one of the most popular hosts of Indian Television at the moment, who has been associated with every channel from Colors, Zee TV to Star Plus, believes in being a free bird.
Though Mad in India on Star Plus is being looked upon as a competition to Colors’ Comedy Nights With
Kapil, Manish does not want be dragged into it. As a matter of fact, he believes that he has a cordial relationship with all and will maintain the same.
Hmm, being politically correct, Manish?
Talking about his new show, Manish tells us, “As a host I will chit chat with the audience and the celebs of this show. Hence no stand up and get ups for me. I will just be Manish Paul.”
So, does the actor feel the pressure of this show being pitted against a popular show (Comedy Nights With Kapil)? “I am not scared. As an artiste, I am here to work and we, as a team, just want to entertain the audience at large. We aren’t here to compete or demean people. Even my interactions are such that it does not make fun of someone. Come, enjoy, laugh with us and go home,” he observes.
Interestingly Manish assures that this funny show will have celebs from different fields. “We are trying to get a mix and match of celebs. So you will not just see people from only films, but from other fields too. In fact you never know if I’d plan to get one of the technicians from our sets as the guest. I also keep gifting a lot.
And I’ve told the channel that if someone likes what I am wearing, I might just gift it to them, be it a coat or a watch,” Manish informs.
The format of this show has three judges. So who will be the judges of the show? “The judges will be three people from the audience. They will basically have the power to ask the celebrity any question that they want to or give a dance performance if they’d like to,” he avers.
What’s the USP of the show? “The rotating set of our show is the biggest USP. The chat portion and gags are different. Basically, it’s an out-and-out fun show,” Manish quips.
We remind the actor that in spite of the show’s USP, Mad in India will be looked upon as a competition to Kapil’s show. And considering that they are good friends in real life, did Manish talk to Kapil about him taking up Mad? “No, not at all, I handle my work on my own. I have my own team that decides for me.
Kapil never asks me if he wants to use a pun. Moreover I wouldn’t say that I have a relationship with just one channel, for I talk to everyone. I am a free bird; I go to Sony, Colors and Star Plus whenever they offer me work. I have made it amply clear with Star that I will go to other channels as well. I will also go to Kapil’s show to promote my upcoming film,” the host puts in.
All the best, Manish!!!
When Sunil Grover grew wild in anger on seeing Kapil Sharma’s photo…Read on….

The shadows of one’s past can haunt a person and that’s what we witnessed during the press launch of Star Plus’ Mad In India (Key Light Productions).
Yes, we are talking about Gutthi aka Sunil Grover who has turned a new leaf to get into the robe of Chutki!!
Interestingly, while on one side Sunil Grover seems to have forgotten his past Gutthi and has embraced Chutki, something related to Kapil Sharma and his show miffed him at the press conference.
Wondering what exactly happened?
Well, a reporter in an attempt to get something new in her video story carried a heart shaped placard with pictures of the cast of Comedy Nights With Kapil.
Interestingly, the minute she handed over this heart to Grover, he turned red in anger and refused to give an interview to this reporter from a well known entertainment channel. In fact, he also went on to express his displeasure to a channel representative.
On one hand, Sunil still considers his counterpart Kapil Sharma as his friend, but what took us by shock was the fact that the guy was so red in his face on seeing Kapil’s photo in the heart that he could not even hold his anger from coming out in public!!
Well, one can clearly decipher that all’s not well between Kapil and Sunil!!
Guess this rivalry of sorts will go on for some time now!!
Yes, we are talking about Gutthi aka Sunil Grover who has turned a new leaf to get into the robe of Chutki!!
Interestingly, while on one side Sunil Grover seems to have forgotten his past Gutthi and has embraced Chutki, something related to Kapil Sharma and his show miffed him at the press conference.
Wondering what exactly happened?
Well, a reporter in an attempt to get something new in her video story carried a heart shaped placard with pictures of the cast of Comedy Nights With Kapil.
Interestingly, the minute she handed over this heart to Grover, he turned red in anger and refused to give an interview to this reporter from a well known entertainment channel. In fact, he also went on to express his displeasure to a channel representative.
On one hand, Sunil still considers his counterpart Kapil Sharma as his friend, but what took us by shock was the fact that the guy was so red in his face on seeing Kapil’s photo in the heart that he could not even hold his anger from coming out in public!!
Well, one can clearly decipher that all’s not well between Kapil and Sunil!!
Guess this rivalry of sorts will go on for some time now!!
Sunil Grover talks about his unfortunate car accident

Comic actor Sunil Grover who is all set to start his own show Mad In India
from 16 February on Star Plus, had an accident on Thursday on a highway
near Panvel when his car tyre burst injuring three motorists in another
vehicle.
While the above accident was widely reported in the papers what was not known is that Grover was travelling with his mother when the accident happened.
Grover’s mom sustained injuries.
Shaken and reluctant to talk about the accident Grover finally said, “It was not an experience I’d like to ever repeat. My mother was with me in the car when the accident happened. The car’s tyre burst all of a sudden. Before I knew it was happening our car skidded out of control.”
Grover’s mother hurt herself on her chin and lips. “More than myself I was badly shaken by what happened to my mother.”
A huge crowd gathered around Grover’s car. Passersby on the road recognized Grover. Rather than showing concern for the injured the oglers gawkers and bystanders demanded pictures with Grover.
Shuddering at the nightmarish experience Grover said, “Luckily we were whisked away by the police. My mom has been taken care of. So, I hear, have those who were injured on the road.”
Grover is now back on the sets. He has a feature film Gabbar directed by Southern director Krish and his own show to shoot for simultaneously.
“It isn’t easy. I’ve to divide my time between the show and the film. I am running in and out of the two sets. The last thing I need is accidents and mishaps in my life. But then I guess accidents are bin bulaaye mehmaan...Like Gutthi in Kapil’s show.”
While the above accident was widely reported in the papers what was not known is that Grover was travelling with his mother when the accident happened.
Grover’s mom sustained injuries.
Shaken and reluctant to talk about the accident Grover finally said, “It was not an experience I’d like to ever repeat. My mother was with me in the car when the accident happened. The car’s tyre burst all of a sudden. Before I knew it was happening our car skidded out of control.”
Grover’s mother hurt herself on her chin and lips. “More than myself I was badly shaken by what happened to my mother.”
A huge crowd gathered around Grover’s car. Passersby on the road recognized Grover. Rather than showing concern for the injured the oglers gawkers and bystanders demanded pictures with Grover.
Shuddering at the nightmarish experience Grover said, “Luckily we were whisked away by the police. My mom has been taken care of. So, I hear, have those who were injured on the road.”
Grover is now back on the sets. He has a feature film Gabbar directed by Southern director Krish and his own show to shoot for simultaneously.
“It isn’t easy. I’ve to divide my time between the show and the film. I am running in and out of the two sets. The last thing I need is accidents and mishaps in my life. But then I guess accidents are bin bulaaye mehmaan...Like Gutthi in Kapil’s show.”
Kapil's team wished me luck for Mad In India: Shweta Tiwari
Shweta Tiwari, the hot and sexy looking TV star, also a mother to a teenager in real life is all set to play a comical character named Katrina Mishra in Star Plus’ Mad In India (Key Light Productions).
Interestingly, Shweta was approached for both Comedy Nights With Kapil on Colors and Mad In India. However, she chose to be a part of the latter.
We all know that Shweta is great friends with Kapil, given their Comedy Circus connection.
So, why did she choose Mad In India over Kapil’s show, we queried her. “I realised that Kapil’s show is set, hence I wouldn’t have known the life of the character they were offering me. Katrina Mishra was good, plus this was a new show, so I took it up. In fact, I told Kapil’s team about the same and they wished me luck. Hence, I don’t think there are problems. I did do a cameo sequence with them”
What about Kapil’s show being a direct competitor to your new show? “No, we are not competing. We are just being compared by you people (the media). Had we been competing, we too would have got a bua or a dadi but then we have a mohalla (society),”clarified the artist.
On the new avatar of Katrina Mishra, the elegant lady said, “She will do something new every time to impress the audience. Moreover while the other artists play the same characters she will be seen in different avatars.”
Shweta who has developed a very good comic timing, with her vast experience in the genre went on to say, “I have learnt the knack over a period of time. After enormous efforts put in, I now have a good comic timing, as that’s the most important thing when it comes to a comic act, especially when celebrities come on the show. One has to be impromptu as they do not have a script. So, I’d say I am still learning.”
The actress has also mastered Bhojpuri for her character and she gives the credit to good friend Manoj Tiwari. “Trust me I can hardly speak in Bhojpuri. But let me tell you the truth. I copy Manoj Tiwari (wink).” Now that’s an interesting confession.
Keep up the good work, lady!!!
Sachin Tendulkar to be Sunil Grover's first guest on Star Plus' Mad In India

All speculation regarding who will be the inaugural guest on Sunil Grover’s brand new show Mad In India when it kick starts on 16 February, can be laid to rest.
Not cricketer Yuvraj. It’s Sachin Tendulkar who has been invited as the first guest on Grover’s show.
A source close to Star Plus confirmed that negotiations are in “the final stages” for the Little Master’s big appearance.
Says the source, “The channel wants Sunil Grover’s guest-profile to be completely different from Kapil’s. Instead of inviting stars to promote their films Mad In India will invite celebrity guests from other professions. And not only cinema.”
Inviting Sachin Tendulkar on Mad In India is being seen as a master-stroke.
“It will immediately give the show a high-profile audience,” says the source.
Golmaal star Siddharth Jadhav joins Sunil Grover & Manish Paul in Mad in India

Star Plus’ upcoming comedy offering - Mad in India - 100% Desi Show-will be a joyride for the audience.
After Sunil Grover revealed his Chutki avtaar, we got the news of Manish Paul hosting and Dolly Ahluwalia also joining the gang of crazy mad hatters.
The latest news we have is Marathi Mulga Siddharth Jadhav confirmed to play an important role in the show.
Siddharth has given some hilarious performances not only in Marathi Cinema but also in the blockbuster Golmaal series. He’ll be seen matching his comic timings with Chutki.
The show will go on air in the month of February!!!
It's going to be a full-on Gutthi and Gabbar season for Sunil Grover, read to know more...

It’s final. Sunil ‘Gutthi’ Grover’s comedy show which starts in February will be entitled Mad In India.
According to channel sources, “Several title options were thrown around including Giggly Evenings With Grover and Gutthi Nights. But Sunil was totally opposed to his name being part of the show’s title. The title finally chosen for Grover’s show is Mad In India.”
It’s going to be a full-on Gutthi and Gabbar season for stand-up comedian Sunil Grover.
Starting in March he’d be shooting simultaneously for his own show on Star Plus and his first major feature film, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions Gabbar.
And Grover won’t allow either of the two projects to suffer.
To ensure that he does full justice to both the show and to his film, Grover has decided to go on air with his television show only once a week for now.
Says a source, “There was plenty of pressure on Sunil to make his show a bi-weekly since Comedy Nights With Kapil is a bi-weekly now. But Sunil is adamant. He will go on air once a week every Sunday at 8.30 pm, as he needs to give time to his film with Akshay Kumar.”
Apparently Grover’s original role in A Murugadoss Tamil film Ramanaa was devoid of the comic element.
“But Grover and the Gabbar producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali have decided to incorporate comic elements into his character. Sunil is working hard on his character in Gabbar. And to do full justice to both Gabbar and his television show Sunil must divide his time wisely. By doing the show once a week he will have ample time for his film career,” says the source.
We wish him all the best!!!
According to channel sources, “Several title options were thrown around including Giggly Evenings With Grover and Gutthi Nights. But Sunil was totally opposed to his name being part of the show’s title. The title finally chosen for Grover’s show is Mad In India.”
It’s going to be a full-on Gutthi and Gabbar season for stand-up comedian Sunil Grover.
Starting in March he’d be shooting simultaneously for his own show on Star Plus and his first major feature film, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions Gabbar.
And Grover won’t allow either of the two projects to suffer.
To ensure that he does full justice to both the show and to his film, Grover has decided to go on air with his television show only once a week for now.
Says a source, “There was plenty of pressure on Sunil to make his show a bi-weekly since Comedy Nights With Kapil is a bi-weekly now. But Sunil is adamant. He will go on air once a week every Sunday at 8.30 pm, as he needs to give time to his film with Akshay Kumar.”
Apparently Grover’s original role in A Murugadoss Tamil film Ramanaa was devoid of the comic element.
“But Grover and the Gabbar producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali have decided to incorporate comic elements into his character. Sunil is working hard on his character in Gabbar. And to do full justice to both Gabbar and his television show Sunil must divide his time wisely. By doing the show once a week he will have ample time for his film career,” says the source.
We wish him all the best!!!
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