"Unexpected, I'm Happy": Anubhav Singh Bassi on the Viral Magic of 'Cheating' and His Journey to Bollywood
Comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi opens up about his viral hit 'Cheating' crossing 100M views, his Bollywood debut, and his approach to comedy.
For many, the road to stardom is a calculated climb, but for stand-up comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi, it was a viral explosion he never saw coming. The comedian, who has become a household name in India, recently reflected on the staggering success of his debut YouTube special, 'Cheating', which has shattered records by crossing 100 million views.
The 100 Million View Milestone
Bassi admits that when he first uploaded 'Cheating', his expectations were modest. He hoped the video would garner a few million views, primarily as a tool to drive ticket sales for his live shows. However, the response was unprecedented.
"I didn’t expect it. When I uploaded the video, I thought it might reach one or two million views... I never expected it to go this viral," Bassi shared in a conversation with ANI.
The comedian noted that while he knew the material was strong because of the reactions he received during live performances in Delhi, the scale of the digital success was a surprise. He recalled the anticipation as the view count climbed toward the 90-million mark, eventually making him the first Indian stand-up comedian to hit the 100 million view milestone on a single YouTube video.
The Craft Behind the Comedy
Interestingly, 'Cheating' wasn't always meant to be his debut special. Bassi spent his first year and a half in the comedy circuit experimenting with various sets, including one titled 'Waxing'.
The 'Cheating' set was a product of rigorous trial and error. Bassi spent nearly 18 months refining the material at open mics and open spots. He revealed a strategic approach to his writing, stating that he identified the strongest joke first and then built the rest of the set backwards to lead up to that punchline. He chose this specific set for his first release because it allowed him to introduce his background and personality to a wider audience.
From YouTube to the Big Screen
The viral success of 'Cheating' did more than just increase his view count; it fundamentally changed his career trajectory. Bassi saw a significant jump in ticket sales in Delhi and other metro cities, and the fame eventually caught the eye of Bollywood.
Director Luv Ranjan, a fan of Bassi's delivery and style, approached him for a role in the hit film Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, starring Ranbir Kapoor. According to Bassi, the director specifically wrote the role to match his natural tonality, ensuring the performance felt authentic rather than forced.
Navigating Controversy and the Future
When asked about the controversies surrounding other Indian comedians like Samay Raina, Kunal Kamra, and Pranit More, Bassi maintained a pragmatic view. He believes the ultimate judge of comedy is the audience.
He explained that if a joke fails, it is an opportunity to rewrite and improve. For Bassi, touring is the primary method for developing material; he refines his jokes on the road until he feels they are ready for a larger platform.
What's Next for Bassi?
Despite his foray into acting and the success of his Amazon Prime Video special, Bas Kar Bassi (released in February 2023), the comedian's heart remains on the stage.
- Current Focus: Recording a new stand-up show.
- Goal: Refining his current work before venturing into "concept shows."
- Timeline: He plans to spend another year or two perfecting his craft before exploring new formats.