Veteran television producer Sanjay Kohli, the creative force behind enduring hit shows like Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai! and Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, opens up about the evolution of comedy in Indian entertainment and why keeping audiences laughing is no easy task. Binaiferr, known for championing clean, family-friendly comedy on Indian television, acknowledges that humour in films and shows has undergone a significant transformation over the years. “Yes, humour in films has changed. Comedy is the most difficult thing to do because you need to keep the audience engaged and ensure the humour doesn’t fall flat even for a minute,” she says.
Sanjay ji notes a stark contrast between the golden era of comedy and what we see today. “I feel the comedy films of the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s had a lasting charm. The humour was more situational and character-driven. Today, there is often an overuse of slapstick or forced gags, which makes it less relatable,” he explains, adding that filmmakers are struggling to adapt to the rapidly evolving taste of the audience. When asked about his all-time favourite comedy films, Sanjayji doesn’t hesitate. “Hera Pheri is my favourite, I just love the three actors and their incredible comic timing. I also thoroughly enjoyed Mujhse Shaadi Karogi — it had a fun narrative and memorable characters,” he shares.
With most television networks shifting focus to drama and thrillers, comedy shows are becoming a rarity — but Sanjay & Binaiferr’s Edit II productions stand as notable exceptions. “Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai! has been running for 11 years with different themes and storylines. It’s a huge challenge to keep comedy fresh and consistent for that long,” he says. “You need good comedy writers, and we were fortunate to have had an icon like Manoj sir shaping the tone in the early days.”
Co-producer, Sanjay Kohli, who is often referred to as the ‘King of Comedy’ in Indian television, shares the same passion for the genre. He reflects, “Making people laugh every day is no joke. Comedy demands discipline, instinct, and a deep understanding of human emotions.” He adds, “People underestimate comedy. It’s the most honest genre — if the audience doesn’t laugh, you know instantly that you’ve failed.” According to Sanjay, the key lies in characters that connect across generations. “We’ve always believed in clean humour that brings families together. The loudest laugh is the one shared in a living room,” he says. “For us, characters are the soul of the comedy. If people can’t connect with Vibhuti , Tiwari or Happu Singh, no punchline will save the script.”
While Binaiferr acknowledges the pressures of staying relevant in changing times, Sanjay emphasizes that their focus has never been on trends. “We don’t chase trends — we focus on timeless characters and organic humour. That’s what sustains a show for 11 years,” he shares. “My goal has always been to make people forget their stress for 22 minutes a day. That’s the magic of a good comedy show.” Both agree that television comedy and film comedy operate in different creative spaces. “TV comedy is more episodic and needs to resonate with a broad age group. Films can take more liberties and go over-the-top. But in both cases, it’s the writing and timing that make or break the humour,” Sanjay Kohli asserts.
