Mumbai gives a big thumbs-up to Trevor Noah’s ‘Off The Record’ show

By Rohit Khilnani -

October 1, 2023 - 12:06 PM IST

On Saturday evening, the globally acclaimed comedian Trevor Noah performed at a packed NSCI Dome, Worli. This was his first time in Mumbai and he charmed the audience who wouldn't stop cheering at his hilarious jokes! This show took place a day after his Bengaluru show was cancelled. He walked onto the stage and said, “We made it! What a journey it has been!”

Mumbai gives a big thumbs-up to Trevor Noah’s ‘Off The Record’ show

The crowd was a mix of all age groups enjoying a comedy show along with some celebrities and popular Mumbaikars. There is a reason this particular show was so well received. In typical Noah style, he joked about everyone. From talking about four Amani family members occupying a building to G20 posters splashed across the city he also addressed real and local problems that affect every Mumbaikar. From getting stuck in Ganpati traffic to the entire city being under construction, the jokes hit a chord with the audience. A comedian being aware of local issues and being well-read is something that charmed the Mumbai crowd.

His show comes at a time when almost anyone cracking a joke can go to an open mic and get instant fame by hurling foul language. The go-to formula for many desi comedians is just the use of one abusive word and that gets them the claps and the clicks. Noah kept his show clean and full of humour. He did not abuse or humiliate anyone in the crowd, which has become a regular sight at local comedy shows. He kept the language clean which impressed a large number of people who had come with families. "His jokes were clean and funny. He was well-prepared for the crowd with relatable jokes. Everyone in the crowd was enjoying the show." said Mumbai jeweller Devang Zaveri.

Another important thing that makes Trevor Noah instantly likeable is his reference to his South African roots. He didn't miss a chance to talk about where he comes from and also didn't hesitate before cracking jokes on politics and state of affairs. If he thinks it is funny, he says it as it is. He also made enough fun of his own show getting cancelled in Bengaluru and joked about people ordering food in Bengaluru traffic, which was the talk of the internet on that day. He did promise that he would like to visit Bengaluru soon.

There definitely is a big audience in India that enjoys good and clean comedy shows that don't get personal or pick an audience member and crack the rest of the jokes about them, almost humiliating them. Indian stand-up comic Vir Das has always managed that and that's the reason his upcoming shows in October are all sold out. And that's something Trevor Noah also achieved though he interacted with audience members but kept it funny and friendly.

Mumbai was the last leg of Trevor Noah’s ‘Off The Record’ India Tour and many B-Town stars were in attendance including Raveena Tandon, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Mandira Bedi and Milind Soman.

Brought to India by BookMyShow, which is India’s leading entertainment destination, Trevor Noah’s debut in the country was a huge success! Trevor’s unique blend of humour, wit and insightful commentary about local culture, politics of power and global affairs were met with uproars of laughter, demonstrating his keen understanding of the nuances that make our world both complex and endlessly fascinating.

Also Read: Trevor Noah to make India debut with ‘Off The Record’ Tour; to perform in Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai