Latest news with #NoFoxGiven
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Female comedians are still viewed through gendered lens: Swati Sachdeva
Swati Sachdeva, Romita Mazumdar and Shashi Dhiman Comedian Swati Sachdeva took Mumbai by storm through her latest gig. She headlined 'No Fox Given' by Foxtale, a bold, culture-shaping comedy show that struck a powerful chord with audiences. With a packed house in Mumbai on June 27th, it featured sharp, unapologetic sets by Swati and Shashi Dhiman that spotlighted the everyday judgments women face. Blending humour with truth, the show became an instant hit, creating a space where women could speak freely, laugh loudly, and feel seen. In an interaction with TOI, Swati said, 'One of the thoughts that I'm faced with daily, and something that makes its way into my comedy, is the conversation between expectation and reality. Society often sets an unspoken standard for how women are supposed to be; there's an invisible script we're all expected to follow, and it's that disagreement between who we are and what we're that becomes a powerful source material for me. Writing for No Fox Given, I focused on honesty—whether about identity, family, or the subtle sexism in daily life. The aim wasn't to provoke, but to be real. These aren't just 'women's issues'; they're human experiences told through a woman's lens, and when I speak from emotional truth, it resonates with anyone who's felt unseen or misunderstood.' Female comedians often get flak for not being funny enough or resorting to sex jokes unnecessarily. Swati reacted, 'It's unfortunate, but there's still a very gendered lens through which female comedians are viewed. There's an unspoken pressure to be just the right amount of everything—funny, but not loud; bold, but not too opinionated; personal, but not too personal. Ironically, the criticism often isn't about the joke itself, but about the fact that a woman dared to tell it. I try to approach this criticism with perspective and focus on what helps me improve. But to be fully transparent, no matter how thick-skinned you are, it's exhausting—and dealing with negativity, which often includes vulgar threats, is no walk in the park.' The comedian is however optimistic about the future of standup comedy in India. She concluded, 'Yeah, there's a shift, and it's been a long time coming. For years, comedy was filtered through a narrow lens—anything outside that was called 'niche.' Now, there's more room for stories that are honest, layered, and reflect real life. It's great to see brands like Foxtale supporting that shift—not leading it but backing voices that have long been doing the work. Events like this give space to people who've often been on the margins, especially women. I just want to see more of it—consistent platforms where artists can be whatever they need to be: raw, funny, emotional, loud, quiet. That's what real comedy is—it's honest and unfiltered." Romita Mazumdar, Founder and CEO, Foxtale, added, 'When we imagined No Fox Given, it wasn't just about creating an event - it was about creating a space. A space where women could show up fully, without the weight of expectations, judgment, or societal pressure that so often shadows our everyday lives. We wanted to offer something that felt bold yet deeply personal, something that entertains and educates without preaching. For us, this platform is an extension of everything we stand for as a brand - championing real voices, real stories, and the power of unfiltered honesty. No Fox Given is our way of saying: you don't have to fit a mould to be heard, seen, or celebrated. Our hope is for it to grow into a cultural movement -one that evolves year after year, inspiring more women to speak freely, live authentically, and take up space unapologetically.'
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Comedian Shashi Dhiman on staying unapologetic on stage: ‘It means standing by your truth even when it's uncomfortable'
Comedian Shashi Dhiman has been making headlines recently, first for criticising her mother's choice in men, following which she was slammed by social media users, and also emerged as the mystery girl of IPL . Despite the attention, Shashi remains undeterred and focused on her comedy, preferring to stay unapologetic in her work. Also read: Varun Grover drops new standup video with a disclaimer after Kunal Kamra row: 'Venue ki isme koi galti nahi hai' When it comes to comedy, Shashi tries to balance humour with sensitivity while tackling real-life experiences and stereotypes. On finding comedy from real-life experiences When it comes to comedy, Shashi tries to balance humour with sensitivity while tackling real-life experiences and stereotypes. 'I always try to approach my material with empathy and self-awareness. The aim isn't to provoke or offend, it's to hold up a mirror in a way that feels honest and relatable. I often ask myself: Is this joke adding value to the conversation, or just echoing frustration? If it comes from a place of truth and shared experience, it tends to land with warmth rather than judgment. And yes, I usually start by laughing at myself -- it helps set the right tone,' says the comedian. Shashi has reached this position after escaping several stereotypes that she faced, making her way in the comedy world. 'From being told 'you're funny for a girl' to assumptions that I must only do 'relationship jokes', there's been no shortage of stereotyping. But I have realised that the best way to counter it is by showing up, staying consistent, and letting your work speak. With time, the narrative shifts, and so do the expectations,' says Shashi, who participated in Foxtale's comedy experience No Fox Given on June 27 in Mumbai, where comedians took the stage to confront several stereotypes through their punches on stage. Is it tough to stay unapologetic in the comedy set in today's time? 'It's definitely not easy, but it's important. I have learned that being unapologetic doesn't mean being reckless; it means standing by your truth even when it's uncomfortable. You can be fearless and respectful,' she says. On being the viral mystery girl Apart from comedy, Shashi sometime back, emerged as the mystery girl during the IPL tournament in 2022 for churning up content for Punjab Kings. And that tag has remained with her till date. 'It was great! I wasn't expecting it, but I feel grateful for it. But it also reminded me of how fast things move online, and how little control we have over how we're perceived. I chose to take it with humour and gratitude and to redirect that attention towards something more meaningful, like the stories I actually want to tell,' she shares.
