Mandava, is one of the first western stand up comedians in Delhi. He has become a fast growing brand with a style of comedy that is unapologetic, daring (and by Delhi standards at that) as well as observant about the strange quirks of humanity.

Raghav Mandava is a born, raised and overtly proud Delhite. His show is a mix of material and unique crowd work, so no two shows are ever the same. Somewhat like the incredible hulk, the more angrier he gets, the funnier he becomes.

Mandava’s own humour spares no one — it may be city-specific (though he avoids clichéd jibes at Punjabis), at times sexist (“jokes on women drivers never get old”) and even anti-establishment. While C K perfected the art of being a rebel speaker, Mandava tries to question the simpler things in life. Preferring an anecdotal conversation to a structured script, Mandava wants his joke to “take the audience by surprise”.

He demonstrates. “At a fancy dinner, you never pick up the first plate because you don’t want to look like a greedy pig,” he says a matter-of-factly. “The one who does pick up the first plate becomes a hero of sorts... and the lesser mortals just follow suit,” he laughs off.

So is Indian humour a consequence of British wit or American slapstick? “No… we have our own niche now,” he says emphatically.

Delhi-based comedian Raghav Mandava has performed to sold-out shows at Indian Habitat Centre, Epicentre and LTG, at bars and at open-mic's around the city, where he strives to try something new every time he takes the stage.