Like many other content creators with large social media followings—including Kusha Kapila, Srishti Dixit, Prajakta Koli and Dolly Singh—Viraj Ghelani made his acting debut last year with small cameos in Bollywood films Jawan and Govinda Mera Naam. In 2024, Ghelani is levelling up. He’s all set to star as the lead actor in upcoming Gujarati-language horror-comedy Jhamkudi.

That’s not all. Ghelani also added another feather to his cap by performing his debut standup comedy show on 4 May. The reels-superstar-turned-comedian performed in front of 1500 people across two sold-out shows at Mumbai’s Balgandharva Rang Mandir. The audience that came out for the Gujarati standup comedy performance were also treated to a surprise cameo by a guest who is extremely close to Ghelani’s heart. Read on to find out what we’re talking about.

HOW ARE YOU FEELING AFTER MAKING YOUR STANDUP COMEDY DEBUT?

When I started my career I used to make videos on the streets of Kandivali and Borivali, so having my own show today in Bandra just feels surreal. The feeling cannot be described in words. At the moment of the show I had mixed emotions and feelings. I was very nervous at first, but once I saw the audience enjoying it, I calmed down and started having fun. The love and laughter I have received from the audience made everything just worth it. It took days for it to sink in that I performed in front of more than 1500 people in two back-to-back shows from different age groups. And the love they showed my Nani was the highlight of it all. There was just so much love and warmth in there that it made my family tear up with happiness. I am so grateful!

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT YOU FOUND CHALLENGING ABOUT THE LIVE PERFORMANCE?

As a debut, everything was challenging. I was nervous, excited, scared, happy, all at once! One really needs to keep the audience engaged with the correct timing and landing the punch lines. I am grateful that they came to the show and for the love they have for me but I was also mindful of the fact that they’ve spent their money. So I tried my best to give them what they wanted.

CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE YOU DO MORE STANDUP COMEDY?

Yes, this is just the beginning. I am eager to spread more laughter and joy wherever I go.

WHAT’S THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE YOU NOTICED BETWEEN PERFORMING STANDUP COMEDY AND MAKING SHORT-FORM CONTENT?

The major difference is in how you get feedback. In standup, you can see how people react right away and change what you’re doing to match their energy. This makes it exciting and spontaneous. But with short videos or jokes, you don’t get that instant validation. You have to guess how people will react and plan your content accordingly. This lets you be more precise, but you miss out on the live interaction and spontaneity of standup.

HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING MOVIE ‘JHAMKUDI’?

Butterflies, fireworks, happy, scared, thrilled—what do I say? It’s been such a rollercoaster with the shows and then the movie for which I’m leaving for Cannes in a couple days! The movie is a horror-comedy and the trailer is out now!

WHAT WAS THE SHOOT EXPERIENCE LIKE?

Earlier I just used to hear actors say things like ‘as soon as the camera turns on they become different people’. It stirs something within them and I used to wonder how that would be. Cut to here I am! Shooting is super exciting! It’s fun to play different characters on screen, but it takes a lot of preparation, let me tell you. One big lesson I’ve learned from being on set and playing different roles is that as long as you sincerely do your work, nothing else matters.

THIS WAS NOT YOUR FIRST ACTING EXPERIENCE. WHAT SETS THIS MOVIE APART FOR YOU?

What sets this movie apart for me is the opportunity to explore a different industry altogether, something that has my roots in it. My culture and my language. Gujarati cinema has its own unique charm, storytelling style, and audience appeal, which I have grown up watching thanks to my family. The fact that I get to play a lead role is a personal win not just for me but even my audience. We have seen this entire journey together and they have always motivated me to do better. Them taking part in my success and being supportive of my failures is of utmost importance to me.

DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE EXCITING PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE FOR 2024?

Yes! Can’t wait to speak about them once I get the green light, hahaha!