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Comedian and digital content creator Viraj Ghelani has become a household name over the years, and we recently spoke with him for an International Men’s Day spotlight about his journey from creating his own sketches, to acting in the Hindi film industry in movies like ‘Govinda Naam Mera’ alongside Kiara Advani and Vicky Kaushal.
- How did the transition between digital series’ and OTT work to films come about?
I’ve always wanted to explore every format of entertainment, and venturing into movies felt like a natural progression for me. I was eager to challenge myself with films and see how my fans would react to seeing me on the big screen. It took around 200 auditions before I landed my first major role, but the journey was worth it.
- As a standup comedian, what is the most fulfilling part of performing live?
The most rewarding aspect of performing live is the immediate feedback and reactions from the audience. Seeing my fans laugh and genuinely enjoy themselves makes all the effort feel worthwhile. The energy and love from a live audience are incredibly motivating, pushing me to deliver an even better performance each time.
- You started your career as a social media comedian – why did you decide to start posting your sketches on your Instagram?
For me, social media is a way to connect with my fans and audience. I share my daily experiences and observations, making my life more relatable with my audience which aligns with the core of my content. My goal is to entertain my followers through my comedic sketches and keep them engaged.
- How do you come up with the content for ‘That’s So Viraj’?
The content for ‘That’s So Viraj’ is inspired by my experiences and observations of everyday life, including time with my family. It’s all about the relatable situations my audience and fans encounter, in their daily lives. I focus on creating family-friendly content with storylines that people can enjoy together with their loved ones.
- How did you get your role in ‘Jhamkudi’?
I received a call from the team of Jhamkudi inviting me for a script reading session. Initially, I assumed it was for promoting the film as an influencer or perhaps a small role, like playing the lead’s best friend. However, during the session, as they delved into the entire script and plot, I couldn’t help but wonder why they were sharing so many details if it was just for promotion. To my surprise and delight, I realized they were actually offering me the lead role! I’m incredibly grateful for their confidence in me and for believing in my talent from the very start.
- You’ve gained a massive and loyal audience over the years. When you try to branch out into different content, does it ever worry you that they might not resonate with it?
Exploring different formats of content is what drives me as an artist. The challenge of trying new forms of entertainment keeps me inspired and pushes me to grow as a performer. At the same time, I stay true to my roots and the kind of content that continues to connect with my audience. My fans have been incredibly supportive of everything I’ve ventured into, and I aim to keep them entertained and happy with the content I create.
- Through your content, you discuss social issues, like sexism and gender inequality. As International Men’s Day approaches, do you feel like your gender gives you a privilege in the content creation and comedy world? If so, how do you try to tie that into your comedy?
As someone focused on the comedy genre, I’ve observed that the audience is incredibly supportive and appreciative of female comics, with many talented women thriving in this space. Success in comedy really comes down to your style, delivery, and ability to connect with people. From a brand perspective, they prioritise your work, audience engagement, and reach, rather than gender. Personally, I haven’t encountered any bias or discrimination in comedy—audiences care more about how relatable you are than anything else.
Having been raised by strong women, I deeply understand the struggles and stereotypes they face. This upbringing has instilled in me a profound respect and admiration for women, which I hold above all else.
