So Mini Things

This is not a review. I am no expert in stand up comedy. I am writing this as a fan of Shraddha’s work. Don’t expect a literary critique. Through this essay I will try to convince you to watch her work.

Like countless other couples, my wife and I have embraced the modern way of showing love - sharing reels. We have shared countless reels. Most of them are forgotten right after. There are very few that are discussed later. Aiyyo Shraddha’s are the ones that are discussed and rewatched.

If you are a 30 something professional living in one of India’s big cities and working for a large company, you will find her work immensely relatable. She plays a few main characters that have become popular over the last few years - A marathi mother, a Kannadiga family (she plays the daughter, father, and the mother!), and an IT employee. The marathi mother is usually found talking about Pratibha, her daughter’s, progress in Bulbul Vidya Mandir. The Kannadiga family is usually discussing something that contrasts the parents’ lives and point of views with that of their young daughter. The IT employee is generally talking about workplace activities, salaries, and back pain. All the characters have a common thing - they are hilarious, but they feel real. You feel you know someone like Pratibha’s mother. You see your family in the Kannadiga family. And the IT employee, well that is actually you!

So Mini Things takes Shradda’s act to the next level. Here, she is not playing a character. She is playing herself. There are jokes. And you laugh out loud many times. But more than that, there is a story. You get to know how Shraddha became Aiyyo Shraddha. She takes you through her life through hilarious descriptions of her life and the people in it. Because it is so honest and real, the story feels like a rollercoaster. Real life is a roller coaster. Real life is not just a build up followed by a punch line. Real life is a series of first steps and missteps, ups and downs, successes and failures, compliments and brickbats, love and loss. She takes you along this roller coaster ride. All of us in the audience were literally laughing and crying with her.

A good artist challenges her audience. Shraddha manages to do that. At certain points during the show, you get a little uncomfortable. You are not sure where the story is going. She makes you think. And when you think, you find the connection. You discover the meaning. And then the story, the joke becomes more real for you.

The entire act is energetic and engaging. What follows the countdown timer at the start, sets the energy level for the rest of the show. And Shraddha manages to maintain that energy throughout the show. She is constantly moving, acting, dancing, gesticulating, while doing comedy. She feels like she is in her true element during the show. It is a joy to watch someone who is truly enjoying what they are doing. Nothing feels forced. It feels natural. It feels real. That makes it special. She has put herself out there. She sees life for the comedy that it is. And she will help you do the same.

Needless to say, my wife and I spent a large part of the next day, discussing the show. It has stayed with us, and I am sure it will for a long time.

Go watch!

@aiyyoshraddha