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Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘My content is deeply rooted in my Indian middle-class upbringing,' says ‘Aiyyo' Shraddha
Stand-up comedy is no longer just a road that offers escape from the draining realities around us for a fixed time. Nor is it just about 'having a good laugh' and moving on. Besides being a part of the large tapestry of performing arts, stand-up comedy is almost as popular and cherished as cinema in India today, albeit not comparable in terms of financial investment or returns. The popularity it received over the past few years has been galvanising. In fact, it's so in vogue at the moment that a stand-up set or special can land the comic on the trending list of ticketing platforms or prime-time news channels. Among the many artistes who have risen to fame in the past few years is Shraddha Jain, popularly known as 'Aiyyo' Shraddha. An engineer and former radio jockey (RJ) turned content creator, Shraddha is currently on a tour with her first stand-up special, So Mini Things. After covering over 45 cities across three continents, she's set to wrap up the journey with the set. And where better for her to organise the last leg than India? With closing shows scheduled in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru, she is totally satisfied and elated by the responses the special received everywhere she performed so far. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, Shraddha opens up about So Mini Things, the experience performing her first stand-up special, her transition from an RJ to a comic, her process, politics and more. Edited excerpts: You've previously said that you owe much of what you've learned about content and storytelling to your time working in radio and your years as an RJ. But let me ask you something more specific: do you remember the first time you realised that you were funny and that people genuinely enjoy listening to you? I just wanted to make my father chuckle and laugh. Before I knew it, the videos in my native Tulu language had travelled six times around the earth. So I discovered my humour when I saw people enjoying listening to me, not just politely nodding, especially when those videos started flying across WhatsApp and inboxes abroad. What was your childhood like? Has that phase of your life shaped you as a comic in any way? My content is deeply rooted in my Indian middle-class upbringing and summers in my ancestral Karkala, where I soaked in village life. I come from the largest common denominator, which is the Indian middle class, and that's how I am able to find common ground with my audience. I spent holidays in Karkala, observing locals, and those very experiences became characters like Malathi akka and Genius Janaki. A post shared by Shraddha (@aiyyoshraddha) How similar or different are your real-life parents from the parent characters you portray in your comedy videos? In my first Tulu video that went viral, my father's reaction to pasta that had no gravy resonated instantly. That was the very first video that went viral, where I made Aglio e Olio pasta with parmesan… and my father wondered why it was dry… and he settled for eating it with sambar. My dad is my first critic, and his laughter — or sometimes his silence — truly influences my comedic tone. From doing comedy skits on social media to performing in front of a live audience, how has that transition been? I attribute my writing style to my RJ days — the discipline of radio shaped my content. And on stage, the shift was big at first. At the start, my radio jockey kicked in. I would not pause enough, and I would talk very fast. It took some time, but now I have settled into the set. Now I am comfortable with hecklers, improvisation, and the live energy. A post shared by Shraddha (@aiyyoshraddha) Let's say you have a show at 6 pm one day, and you arrived in the city the previous evening and checked into your hotel. What are the hours leading up to the show usually like for you? What do you spend that time doing? I go for walks! I really enjoy exploring new places on foot. In Melbourne, Sydney and London, I watched local stand-up shows and many musicals. I have spent whole days in art museums in Cleveland and Chicago! Right before you go on stage to perform, what's the last thing you do or make sure of? I think of my parents and I say to myself, 'Every single person in the audience is my own'. And I am ready. It's often said that 'the personal is political'. Since your set comprises mini stories, anecdotes and observational humour, let me ask, are you a political person? If so, how would you describe your politics? I'm not someone who enjoys the theatre of politics — the slogans, the mudslinging, or the relentless jockeying for power. If anything, my ideal version of politics would be very little politics; minimalist, pragmatic and focused. I believe governance should be like good plumbing: quietly efficient, not constantly in your face. In a country like India — diverse, complex, and emotionally charged — politics often gets tangled up in things it has no business meddling with. For me, the real business of governance is quite straightforward: ensure quality education, sanitation and public health, public safety, and create employment opportunities. Do you think artistes — comics in particular, given the massive legacy and impact many have had on people — should have a sense of responsibility towards society, and that their art should reflect that? Yes. As an artiste, I ask myself, 'What is my motive behind this piece that I want people to see? What do I want them to feel?' This has always given me clarity and weeded out my material. What would you say is your biggest strength, and your biggest weakness? Preparation. That is my biggest strength. The time I take to prepare is my big weakness! It takes forever to believe I am ready! And finally, the worst request anyone can ever make to a comedian: tell us a joke, Aiyyo Shraddha… How can you be sure Artificial Intelligence is a South Indian? 'Cos it's Anandu Suresh is a Senior sub-editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at ... Read More
NDTV
04-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
6 Lunchbox Recipes That Beat Restaurant Food Ready In Under 30 Minutes
We all love food from our favourite restaurant - it is rich, flavourful and so satisfying. But ordering in every day can be expensive and not-so-healthy. But what if we can make restaurant or cafe-style food at home? Wait, it gets better. What if we can make it in under 30 minutes and pack it in our lunchbox? Awesome! Lunchbox recipes need not be boring or dry. It's time to move over boring sandwiches and rotis, and try these quick and tasty cafe and restaurant-level dishes. 1. Paneer Makhani Forget boring sabzis and try this luscious paneer makhana prepared with fresh and soft paneer cubes, flavourful tomato gravy, and luscious butter and cream. You can also use cashews to get that thick 'makhani' feel. Click here for the full recipe. 2. Burrito Mexican food is a great option when it comes to choosing quick and flavour-packed recipes. You can make a delicious burrito wrapped with meat, beans, rice and salsa. Here is a complete recipe to become a burrito specialist. 3. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio You can never go wrong with pasta. Simple yet sophisticated, Aglio e Olio is a dish you will be making on repeat. All you need is a few pantry staples-garlic, olive oil, red chilli flakes and spaghetti-and voila, your pasta is ready. Add some fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for that cafe-style finish. Click here for the full recipe. 4. Quesadilla Give your lunchbox a global twist with this cheesy delight. Crispy tortillas loaded with your choice of veggies, gooey cheese, and spicy sauces make for a fulfilling and flavour-packed meal. You can even sneak in some leftover chicken or paneer for an extra protein boost. Here's a complete recipe to make the perfect quesadilla. 5. Chicken Tikka Sandwich Why order out when you can have a cafe-style sandwich at home? Juicy chunks of spicy chicken tikka, crunchy veggies and a creamy spread come together to create this delicious lunchbox treat. Pack it in a crusty or multigrain sandwich bread for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Check out the full recipe here. 6. Schezwan Fried Rice Who doesn't love fried rice? This quick and spicy version with Schezwan sauce is guaranteed to fire up your taste buds and satisfy those Chinese takeout cravings. Packed with colourful veggies and your choice of protein, this dish is quick and flavourful. Click here for the complete recipe. So, the next time you're tempted to order in, try one of these easy and exciting lunchbox recipes instead. They're quick to make, easy on the pocket, and guaranteed to impress anyone who eats lunch with you at work or school.
Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Coolest Mother's Day treats: Croissant bouquets, heart-shaped bao, cakes and more
Mother's Day is just a week away. PHOTOS: GOODWOOD PARK HOTEL, BAO BAO, SOUP RESTAURANT, PAUL SINGAPORE – It is time to plan for Mother's Day, just a week away. It is not too late to pick up pink heart-shaped mantou from home-grown bao store Bao Bao or an edible croissant 'bouquet' from bakery chain Paul. Or take the savoury route with dishes inspired by mum. These include Mamma's Aglio e Olio from Italian restaurant Casa Vostra at Raffles City and Mum's 5 Hiang (Ngoh Hiang) from modern Sichuan restaurant Birds of A Feather in Amoy Street – both a nod to homely dishes made by the chefs' mothers. Of course, if mum prefers a sumptuous feast or a picture-perfect cake, there are options for that too. Here are eight treats to consider. Mother's Day Gourmet Box Goodwood Park Hotel's Mother's Day gourmet box. PHOTO: GOODWOOD PARK HOTEL What: Set up a cosy tea party at home with Goodwood Park Hotel's gourmet box of goodies ($188 nett, takeaway or delivery only). It includes an array of mini sandwiches, baked Norwegian salmon and spinach filo pie , and spring chicken ballotine with foie gras, wild mushroom and sage butter. Desserts include marble bundt cake, assorted tartlets, cookies, madeleines as well as plain and bak kwa scones. Catering for a bigger party? The Deli's website also features its ongoing Durian Fiesta desserts and other cakes and pastries. Where: The Deli, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road When: Till May 11, order three days in advance by May 8 Info: 'Love You, Mummy' Mantou The mantous come with a yam and chocolate sauce. PHOTO: BAO BAO What: No need to break the bank to show your mother some love. Do it with heart-shaped mantou – coloured pink using dragonfruit puree and decorated with edible sweet gum flowers – from bao store Bao Bao. A set of two mantou costs $8.80 and comes with two dips – chocolate and orh nee (yam) infused with fragrant shallot oil. Where: Bao Bao, B4-34 Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn When: May 5 to 11, 10am to 10pm daily Info: @ on Instagram Parent's Day Celebration Sets Soup Restaurant's Celebration Set. PHOTO: SOUP RESTAURANT What: Celebrate mum and dad together with the return of Soup Restaurant's Parents' Day set menus. The dine-in menu features new dishes, including fish maw with seafood pumpkin soup ($16.90); yam and Chinese sausage steamed rice with sakura prawns ($36, good for two to three people); and double-boiled bird's nest with snow pear dessert. The showstopper is an abalone seafood fragrant pot ($88, good for four people), a stir-fried medley of abalone, sea cucumber, dried scallops, octopus and fish maw. These dishes are also available across takeaway set menus priced from $68 for two people. Where: All Soup Restaurant outlets When: Till June 30 Info: Call 6645-9330, WhatsApp 9897-3761 or order at For more information and full list of outlets, go to Mum's 5 Hiang (Ngoh Hiang) Birds of A Feather's 5 Hiang (Ngoh Hiang) with Sichuan Tian Mian Sauce. PHOTO: BIRDS OF A FEATHRE What: He had fond memories of his mum making ngoh hiang during Chinese New Year, so Birds of A Feather's head chef Eugene See was inspired to offer it as a special ($15++) at the modern Sichuan restaurant. His version is served on a bed of julienned carrots, yellow zucchini and celtuce tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. It is topped with butternut squash puree, cherry tomatoes and microcress, and finished with a charcoal tuille and spiced lavosh. Instead of the usual sweet sauce, he offers a personal concoction of a Sichuan tian mian sauce made with chilli oil, spiced soya sauce, sesame seeds, chopped toasted peanut and dried black olives. Where: Birds of A Feather, 115 Amoy Street When: May 9 to 11, noon to 3pm daily, 6pm to midnight (Mondays to Saturdays), 6 to 10pm (Sundays) Info: Call 9755-7115 or go to Mamma's Aglio e Olio Casa Vostra's Mamma's aglio e olio. PHOTO: CASA VOSTRA What: Aglio e olio, but make it Mamma-style. The mamma of Italian chef Antonio Miscellaneo, that is. New to the Casa Vostra menu, this dish ($15) begins with the classics – garlic, red chilli, fresh parsley and extra virgin olive oil. Mum's special touch? Sun-dried tomatoes, which chef Miscellaneo says brings an extra hit of umami. From May 9 to 11, all mothers dining at Casa Vostra will get a complimentary serving of this special pasta dish, limited to one redemption a table with a minimum spending of $40. Where: Casa Vostra, 01-49/50/51 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road When: May 9 to 11, 11.30am to 10pm daily Info: Croissant Bouquet Paul's Mother's Day croissant bouquet. PHOTO: PAUL What: Surprise mum with an edible bouquet . Paul bakery has put together a croissant bouquet ($29.90) comprising four of its signature flaky croissants alongside two mini ones. Sweeten the deal with the chain's trio of cakes ($79 each) or heart-shaped macarons ($9.90 a piece). Where: All Paul outlets When: Till May 31, pre-order two days in advance, self-collection only Info: Go to for full list of outlets Mama Cake and Yuzu Osmanthus Flower Patisserie Cle's Mother's Day cake (left) and yuzu osmanthus flower pastries. PHOTO: PATISSERIE CLE What: Patisserie Cle's new Mother's Day collection features the Mama Cake (from $70 for a six-inch cake), a vanilla sponge layered with vanilla bean custard, strawberry cream and fresh strawberries. The cake is encased in a light strawberry mousse and raspberry glaze, and topped with more strawberries. The other option is a Yuzu Osmanthus Flower ($13 for two), a flower-shaped croissant filled with yuzu custard and crowned with a delicate osmanthus jelly. The cake and pastry bundles, which start at $78 for a six-inch Mama Cake and a set of the Yuzu Osmanthus Flower pastries, offer the best value. Where: Patisserie Cle, 415 River Valley Road When: Till May 31, 9am to 6pm (Mondays to Saturdays), 9am to 5pm (Sundays) Info: WhatsApp 8127-3925 or order at Honey Fig or Mixed Berries Shortcakes Nesuto's honey fig (left) and mixed berries shortcake. PHOTO: NESUTO What: Nesuto's two seasonal shortcakes highlight floral and fruity notes. The heart-shaped Honey Fig Shortcake (from $53 for a 10cm cake) comes with a sponge cake layered with a fig compote, and is covered in a mascarpone Chantilly sweetened with Tasmanian leatherwood honey and studded with chunks of fresh figs. Mixed Berries Shortcake (from $61 for a 10cm cake) features a sponge cake layered with tangy cassis yogurt cream and is covered with a cassis Chantilly cream. It is topped with a thin layer of grenadine mixed berries compote and garnished with blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Every order with a 'Happy Mother's Day' message includes a specially designed card and a preserved flower. Where: Nesuto outlets at 01-01, 53 Tras Street, open: noon to 10pm (Mondays to Saturdays), noon to 6pm (Sundays); and 01-236/237 Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, open: 11am to 9.30pm daily When: Till May 31 or while stocks last Info: WhatsApp 8952-1577 or order at Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
