Ha ha, he he, haw haw

ENTERTAINMENT: Jaspal Bhatti is back for a second innings in the laughter stakes.

Are we as a nation getting funnier? Clearly, going by the number of comedy shows on the small screen, the answer might be an overwhelming yes.

On the big screen too, comedies (if not comedians yet) are being taken seriously as producers and directors go laughing all the way to the bank. So much so that India's original humourist, Jaspal Bhatti, wants a second innings at tickling the nation's funny bone.

Bhatti's earlier stint with television (Ulta-Pulta and Flop Show) had been, well, funny but hardly remarkable, and besides acting as a sidekick in Hindi films, he had two Punjabi films in his kitty.

Now, though, the social satirist is back to scout for the star cast for his maiden Hindi feature film, and a tie-up with a Mumbai production house is imminent.

"I try to create something thought-provoking," reasons the actor. "My earlier work was a depiction of theproblems faced by the common man. This time I'm keen to discuss either the identity crisis faced by the Non Resident Indians or the alternative profession of politics adopted by film stars."

He wants you laughing, yes, but refuses to accept just any role "" his reason for staying away from the current comedy shows on television. "I'm too old to comment on Mallika Sherawat and Adnan Sami."

He's astute too, which is why with spouse Savita Bhatti, he set up the Media and Digital Arts Jaspal Bhatti Film School at Mohali. "We try to impart the skills in the fields of film and TV using techniques of humour," says Savita Bhatti. Several leading artistes from north India train students on the technical skills required in the entertainment business.

Bhatti says the entertainment business in India has been growing exponentially with the proliferation of FM radio and TV channels. "But the representation of talented youngsters from the north is negligible."

And no, Bhatti isn't above hoping a dose of humour will be good for nation building as well. "MAD Arts can also impart humour skills to bureaucrats and politicians," he chuckles about the two communities that are always the butt of his jokes.