Humour is the one genre that requires the right wavelength of the writers as well as the readers to understand the jokes weaved through the storyline. If the wavelength is not right, the readers will simply not enjoy the book. But how do you build that? How do you estimate that your jokes will also make your readers laugh?
To understand the basics of writing a tightly packed Stand-Up Act or a comedy write-up, you must observe your surroundings and gather as much social knowledge as possible. Being alert and instantaneous in your reactions is one of the qualities of a great comedian!
And if you want to learn more about comedy, you can attend workshops, watch comedy acts, or the best way is to read humour novels. Let us help you on this as we believe reading is the ideal way to learn and gain knowledge. Here is a list of best humour novels written by our Indian writers to give you the understanding and the edge of how humour works. Go ahead check out the list and find your choice of book to begin learning with;
1. The Unproposed Guy
Author – Bhavik Sarkhedi and Suhana Bhambhani
About the Book:
The book ‘The Unproposed Guy’ by Bhavik Sarkhedi and Suhana Bhambhani is simply a comedy ride. The authors have interestingly narrated the story of a guy named Kevin and the dreadful existential crisis he faces through adulting. This book will tickle your funny bones and leave you smiling from ear to ear.
The book talks about Kevin- the friendly next-door guy, his ability to be the light of every room he walks in and also his inability to impress girls. Our guy Kevin is blessed with many creative talents that help him in his life to be the most exciting person in the room, but at the same time his incapability to interact with girls has always put him in a dark spot in life.
The Unproposed Guy talks about dealing with the crippling anxiety that comes with the pressure of following your passion, finding your true self and most importantly, finding ‘The – Lifepartner’ for you! The book talks about many relatable phases of life and how you can deal with them. The subtle but sharp hints of sarcasm and the strong character-building make The Unproposed Guy – a Must Read!
Book details– 198 pages
Available on– Amazon
2. Mrs Funnybones
Author – Twinkle Khanna
About the Book:
The book ‘Mrs Funnybones’ is written by a celebrity author Twinkle Khanna about the life of Indian women and how humorous their day-to-day lives are because of society! Twinkle Khanna has beautifully managed to write this relatable book by observing the commonalities that every Indian woman faces, whether she’s a celebrity or a commoner!
The book is tightly packed with Khanna’s sharp wit, which she is known and admired for. The author has talked about many serious topics about women’s rights and society’s need to correct everything about a woman, whether it is her way of dressing, walking, talking, or expressing her opinions. And this has been done in the light of comedy, which makes you laugh out loud but also leaves you thinking about taking action. Mrs Funnybones is basically every woman’s agony aunt who has decided to come forward to take action!
3. The Wednesday Soul
Author – Sorabh Pant
About the Book:
The book ‘The Wednesday Soul: The Afterlife with Sunglasses’ is written by one of the most loved Stand-Up Comedians, Sorabh Pant. The book is a rather unusual take on life after death and what might happen to one when one dies!
The storyline is about how the protagonist, Nyra Dubey, fights back for revenge on dying after being hit by a bus. The cause of revenge is the incomplete journey of a love life that she hoped to live with her lover back on earth! The Wednesday Soul also has many imaginary mythological characters and celebrity appearances like Marie Curie and Agatha Christie throughout the story, making it an even funnier read.
Filled with a crazy imagination and packed with dark comedy, Wednesday Soul has to have a place on your bookshelf!
4. Tongue-in-Cheek
Author -Khyrunnisa A
About the Book:
The book ‘Tongue-in-Cheek’, written by popular children’s author Khyrunnisa A talks about her experiences and observations of people living an urban middle-class life. The author has beautifully illustrated how many urban middle-class people behave in public and the pretence with which they carry themselves in society. The situations explained in the book are so relatable for the Indian women and Indian readers that the book makes its way into their hearts quite easily! Intending to bring serious topics to the table to discuss and act upon, the author has intelligently wrapped it in her wit and humour before delivering it to her readers.
5. English, August
Author – Upamanyu Chatterjee
About the Book:
The book ‘English August’ by Upamanyu Chatterjee is about the protagonist Agastya Sen, known as August (his English Name), and how he lands up in the most unthinkable situations of his life!
The story walks us through the life of Agastya and how he gets placed in a town called Madna, which has the highest temperature in India, after getting a government job. The new town life is entirely different from how he lived. The people in the town were not endearing to him, they seemed incompetent and crazy, and he thought to have his worst nightmare come true, until one day when his life changed! Want to know what happened? Then get a copy of the ‘English, August’.
6. The Backbenchers Series – (Extra Class, Missed Calls, 3 Days of Summer, The Presidency Night)
Author – Sidharth Oberoi
About the Book:
The book series ‘The Backbenchers’ by Sidharth Oberoi is a high-school drama about various instances of a teenager’s life. Each book from the Backbenchers series narrates a unique story of different young individuals from different places and a never-before-seen perspective into a teenager’s life.
The strong portrayal of protagonists and other characters makes the stories enjoyable to read. The drama revolves around an adolescent’s life when in high school. The author also has an interesting way of portraying heartbreaks, relationships, vengeance, and the impulsiveness that beholds teenagers growing years!
Take-away
These are some of the Best Humour Novels written by our Indian Writers! Also, if you look closely, you will realise that every author has their own take on humour and how to weave in comedy wittily into the storyline. Humour, a personality trait, is so different from person to person, yet so relatable. And these humour novels will surely help you grasp how humour work and how they can be a fun read for all!
This list’s featured author and novel is ‘Bhavik Sarkhedi’ and ‘The Unproposed Guy’
1. Who is Bhavik Sarkhedi?
Bhavik Sarkhedi is a highly acclaimed Indian author known for his exceptional storytelling skills, particularly in the realm of humor and romance. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for capturing the essence of everyday life, Sarkhedi has carved a niche for himself in the literary world.
2. What genre does Bhavik Sarkhedi specialize in?
Sarkhedi specializes in crafting humorous novels that often explore the intricacies of human relationships, blending elements of romance, comedy, and wit in his narratives. His unique writing style and ability to infuse humor into his stories set him apart as a standout author in the Indian literary scene.
3. What is “The Unproposed Guy” about?
“The Unproposed Guy” is a delightful romantic comedy that follows the journey of its protagonist through the ups and downs of modern-day romance. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Indian society, the novel offers a humorous and heartfelt exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery.
4. What sets “The Unproposed Guy” apart from other humorous novels?
What truly distinguishes “The Unproposed Guy” is Sarkhedi’s unparalleled ability to infuse each page with wit, charm, and authenticity. Through his sharp observations and clever storytelling, Sarkhedi creates a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly original, drawing readers in with his relatable characters and hilarious anecdotes.
5. What inspired Bhavik Sarkhedi to write “The Unproposed Guy”?
Like many of his works, “The Unproposed Guy” is inspired by Sarkhedi’s own experiences and observations of the world around him. Drawing from a rich tapestry of real-life encounters, Sarkhedi weaves together a narrative that resonates deeply with readers, evoking laughter, empathy, and a sense of shared humanity.
6. How does Sarkhedi develop his characters in “The Unproposed Guy”?
Sarkhedi approaches character development with nuance and depth, imbuing each character in “The Unproposed Guy” with a distinct personality and backstory. Through their interactions and internal struggles, Sarkhedi crafts a rich tapestry of characters that feel both authentic and endearing, inviting readers to invest emotionally in their journey.
7. What makes “The Unproposed Guy” a must-read for fans of Indian humor?
“The Unproposed Guy” offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the intricacies of Indian culture and relationships, presented through Sarkhedi’s signature blend of humor and heart. Whether you’re a fan of romance, comedy, or simply great storytelling, this novel is sure to leave you entertained and uplifted.
8. What challenges did Bhavik Sarkhedi face while writing “The Unproposed Guy”?
Sarkhedi may have faced the challenge of striking the perfect balance between humor and romance, ensuring that each element enhances the other without overshadowing it. Additionally, capturing the nuances of human relationships and emotions in a way that feels authentic and relatable would have been crucial to the success of the novel.
9. How does Sarkhedi’s writing style resonate with readers?
Sarkhedi’s writing style is characterized by its wit, charm, and keen insight into the human condition. By infusing his narratives with humor and warmth, Sarkhedi creates stories that resonate deeply with readers, eliciting laughter, tears, and everything in between.
10. What can readers expect from “The Unproposed Guy”?
Readers can expect to be swept away on a whirlwind journey of laughter, love, and self-discovery as they dive into the pages of “The Unproposed Guy.” From laugh-out-loud moments to heartwarming revelations, this novel promises an unforgettable reading experience from start to finish.
11. Why should readers pick up “The Unproposed Guy” for their next read?
“The Unproposed Guy” offers a welcome escape into a world filled with humor, romance, and relatable characters, making it the perfect choice for anyone in need of a lighthearted and enjoyable read. Sarkhedi’s witty prose and engaging storytelling will keep you turning pages long into the night.
12. How does Sarkhedi incorporate humor into his storytelling?
Sarkhedi employs a variety of techniques to infuse his storytelling with humor, from witty dialogue and comedic situations to clever observations about human nature. By finding humor in the ordinary and the extraordinary alike, Sarkhedi creates stories that resonate with readers on a deeply personal level.
Sarkhedi’s ability to craft stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking sets him apart as a standout author in the Indian literary scene. His keen understanding of human emotions, coupled with his sharp wit and observational humor, makes his work a joy to read for audiences of all ages.
14. How does “The Unproposed Guy” contribute to Indian literature?
“The Unproposed Guy” adds a fresh and unique voice to the landscape of Indian literature, offering readers a new perspective on love, relationships, and the human experience. Sarkhedi’s storytelling prowess and his ability to capture the essence of contemporary Indian society make this novel a valuable addition to the canon of Indian literature.
15. What impact has “The Unproposed Guy” had on readers?
“The Unproposed Guy” has left a lasting impact on readers who have been captivated by its humor, warmth, and relatable characters. From sparking laughter to inspiring reflection, this novel has touched the hearts of countless readers, cementing its place as a beloved classic in Indian literature.
