Couple of laughs

BY far,they are the most hilarious couple on Star One’s Hans Baliye. They are Punjabi after all,and top of it,true comedians at heart. “Well,I am one,but my wife’s a better one and that’s left me pleasantly tickled!” Gurpreet Ghuggi was really excited when yet another comedy challenge came his way. It was from where he started – Star One,and he couldn’t say no to a channel that gave him a national platform,and a great reach. “Had it just been any pair,I would’ve faked a fiancee,but they wanted real spouses,and I’ll be honest when I say that I had no confidence in my wife Kuljeet,” Ghuggi,however,presented the idea to his better half and she,quite surprisingly,lapped it up. “It was a oh-my-god moment because Kuljeet has zilch stage experience. She’s never been part of anything even remotely related to television or films,” says Ghuggi. But this is where real life came into play. Everyday conversations over things as simple as house-budget,buying veggies,bargaining with the shop-keeper,going shopping,surviving relatives,and bringing up the kids. On top of this,a professional comic of a hubby has kinda helped Kuljeet over the years. “She’s my childhood sweetheart. We are both from Jalandhar,and our friendship grew into love,” blushes the Mister. Although husband-wife jokes are the oldest to be manufactured in the joke factor,yet it requires a lot of practise. “It’s all about timing and presentation,and they check your compatibility and chemistry on screen,” Ghuggi makes sure that both he and Kuljeet bring in that professional touch to the regular shriman-shrimati nok-jhok. “So we had to be sure it’s cooked well,designed well and performed well,” now that Kuljeet’s received rave reviews from judges,audience and contemporaries,Ghuggi’s confidence is bubbling. They are now working on the elderly couple act and looking for fresh lines of action. Every episode is a new challenge,and Kuljeet’s already being offered roles in film and television! In the meanwhile Ghuggi’s looking forward to his films – Sadiyan,Kabse Sambhale Rakha Hai Dil,Bhawnaon ko Samjho which will have 52 comedians working together for the first time on the big screen and Naughty At 40 with Govinda.

Come June 27,and Hans Baliye will also celebrate Karisma’s birthday. Be treated to rib tickling humor by Bharti Singh aka Lalli,and stellar performances from Ghuggi and Kuljeet,Rajesh and Madhvi and Tanaz and Bhakhtyar on June 27,8.30pm,on Star One!