The History of Improv Comedy in India

While modern improvisational theatre, as we know it today, is a relatively recent phenomenon in India, the spirit of spontaneous performance is deeply woven into the fabric of our cultural history. From ancient court jesters to vibrant folk traditions, improvisation has always been a part of Indian storytelling.

Ancient Roots of Spontaneity

Long before improv became a formal art form, its elements were present in various Indian traditions:

• Folk Theatre: Forms like Nautanki in the North, Jatra in the East, and Yakshagana in the South heavily relied on audience interaction and performers improvising lines, songs, and comedic bits within a loose narrative structure.
• The Vidushak: The character of the 'Vidushak' or court jester in classical Sanskrit theatre was a master of wit and improvisation, often breaking the fourth wall and commenting on the proceedings with sharp, spontaneous humour.
• Oral Storytelling Traditions: The rich legacy of Katha (storytelling) relied on the performer's ability to improvise and adapt the tale based on the audience's reactions.

The Modern Wave: Inspired by the West

The dawn of modern improv comedy in India can be traced to the early 2000s, heavily influenced by the global popularity of the British and American TV show, "Whose Line Is It Anyway?".

A handful of pioneers, often with backgrounds in theatre or stand-up comedy, began experimenting with short-form improv games in major metros. Mumbai became the initial epicenter, with groups like Improv Comedy Mumbai (ICM) formalizing the art form and starting the first regular classes and shows around 2009.

"In the beginning, it was a challenge. We had to explain to every audience that there was no script. People would ask, 'But what do you mean you make it up? You must have rehearsed something!' It took time to build that understanding and trust."

— Vikram Joshi, Veteran Improviser

The Boom of the 2010s

The last decade has seen an explosive growth of improv across the country. Key developments include:

• Expansion to New Cities: What started in Mumbai quickly spread. Thriving improv communities emerged in Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, each developing its own unique flavour.
• Rise of Long-form: While short-form introduced improv to the masses, dedicated artists began training in and performing long-form improv, pushing the boundaries of narrative and theatrical improvisation in India.
• Festivals and Collaboration: The scene matured with the launch of dedicated improv festivals, such as the Bengaluru Improv Festival and India Improv Festival, which brought together artists from across the country and the world, fostering a spirit of collaboration.
• Improv Beyond Comedy: Companies and educational institutions began recognizing the value of improv for skill-building, leading to the growth of 'applied improvisation' for corporate training, communication workshops, and more.

The Indian Voice in Improv

Today, Indian improv is finding its own unique voice. Performers are creating shows in regional languages, exploring themes and stories rooted in Indian culture, and blending Western formats with Indian storytelling sensibilities. From scenes set in a Mumbai local train to characters inspired by our rich mythology, the content is becoming increasingly authentic and relatable to local audiences.

The Future is Unwritten

From a niche art form practiced by a handful of enthusiasts, improv in India has grown into a vibrant, nationwide community. It is a testament to the universal appeal of spontaneous creation and the joy of collaborative play. As new artists continue to discover, learn, and innovate, the future of Indian improv, much like a good improv scene, is exciting, unpredictable, and full of limitless possibilities.