Latest news with #SoMiniThings
Hans India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Aiyyo Shraddha's ‘So Mini Things' comes to hyderabad one last time
After winning hearts across three continents, ten countries, and over 45 cities, including a record-breaking 28 shows across the U.S., digital star and comedian Shraddha Jain a.k.a. Aiyyo Shraddha is returning to where it all began. Her smash-hit stand-up comedy special So Mini Things will take its final bow on home soil with upcoming shows in Hyderabad (July 27 at Shilpakala Vedika, Hitech City in Madhapur), Mumbai (2 shows on July 19 at Shanmukhananda Hall in Sion East), Chennai (July 26 at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall on Harrington Road), and finally in Bengaluru (3 shows – 2nd August at Dr. BR Ambedkar Bhavan, 3rd August at MLR Convention Centre & 9th August at Prestige Centre for Performing Arts). Produced by Livetree Entertainment, the India tour kicked off earlier this month with packed shows in Pune and Delhi. Aiyyo Shraddha's comedy set draws from the charming curiosity of a two-year-old. Titled So Mini Things for the many whimsical detours it takes — mini stories, mini perspectives, mini versions of herself — the show is a mosaic of anecdotes rooted in Indian family life. What began as her first-ever stand-up set quickly snowballed into a global sensation… a journey that has touched audiences aged 6 to 60, across cultures, languages, and generations. 'The opportunity to do this, to take these stories to so many people across the world… what an adventure it is!' exclaims Shraddha. 'The only thing I worried about was missing flights! So many flights!' the comedian quips. The stellar show, brought to life by Livetree Entertainment, has been nurtured and produced with care from its very first outing. Known for curating premium live experiences with legends like Sonu Nigam, Hariharan, and Jagjit Singh, the company has powered So Mini Things across the U.S., Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. 'It's always so heartwarming to see people across generations line up at the end to hug Shraddha, share stories, and often say they wish they'd brought their parents or kids. For those 90 minutes, we just want people to unwind, laugh, and leave feeling lighter,' shares Sharath Vatsa, CEO and Founder of the company. For the uninitiated, Shraddha, an engineer and former RJ turned content creator, has carved a niche for herself in the comedy space with her clean, observational humour and unmistakable sincerity. She was awarded in 2024 by the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the title of 'Most Creative Creator - Female' at the National Creators Awards ceremony. It's a title Shraddha accepts with humility. 'It just means I have to put more thought, more effort into my work and do it very responsibly,' she avers. As So Mini Things wraps up its run in India, Aiyyo Shraddha reflects, 'It's been a very satisfying tour,' she shares. 'I will retire this material extremely contented with the journey it has made.' We say, for anyone who's loved, laughed, or lived in the chaos of Indian family life, this one's truly not to be missed! Interview excerpts Where did the idea of 'So Mini Things' come about? This was really like looking for and finding old photographs and letters, and putting them all together into a slam book! So one memory led to another, and then the events of my present seemed to call back to these memories. This show ties my recent life and my past together! How did you foray into stand-up comedy? I started doing stand-up shows for corporates only because I was extended an opportunity to do so. My stand-up experience started from these corporate shows, and these opportunities came about as one of my videos — that was a corporate satire — went viral. This was your stand-up debut, and the shows have all been received well, but who were the first people who heard these jokes? I did not try these jokes with friends and family; I tested them straight at trial shows! I had about four of them in Bangalore, and then the tour was announced! Does clean comedy come naturally to you? What have been your biggest influences? I would say that I like to keep things simple yet insightful. I have worked in radio and television before; there are very strict guidelines on language in these media, so I think my brain continues to follow them even after I have stepped out! My primary influences are Johnny Lever, Jerry Seinfeld, and Dave Chappelle. I admire them for their versatility, observation skills, and fearlessness — in addition to their mastery of the craft. Stand-up looks solo, but it takes a team to pull off a tour like this. What went behind making this global hit so successful? This tour really was put together by a very small team — Livetree Entertainment and myself. A total of four or five people. It really kept things very tight-knit. No unnecessary noise. It's amazing when I look back at this massive tour and how closely all of us worked. Being recognised by the Prime Minister as India's 'Most Creative Creator (Female)' is no small feat. How has that moment shaped your journey or approach, if at all? This has only motivated me to improve my craft in all aspects — writing, camera work, editing, costume, make-up — in every department, I want to do better! This award is a very important recognition for me. Being a woman in a primarily male-dominated stand-up scene and selling out shows not just in India but globally — how does it feel? I am beyond grateful! What an adventure, what a thrill this tour has been! What a blessing it is to be able to bring joy! Finally, what's one moment on tour — a message or a meet-cute with a fan — that you'll carry with you forever? Oh, this girl I met in Sydney — she met me after the show. She held my hand tightly, her eyes wide open! She told me, 'I was so nervous before you started! I was praying this works! I am so proud of you!' She bought tickets to my show not to be entertained, she came to watch me win! I couldn't stop thinking about her!
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘My content is deeply rooted in my Indian middle-class upbringing,' says ‘Aiyyo' Shraddha
Stand-up comedy is no longer just a road that offers escape from the draining realities around us for a fixed time. Nor is it just about 'having a good laugh' and moving on. Besides being a part of the large tapestry of performing arts, stand-up comedy is almost as popular and cherished as cinema in India today, albeit not comparable in terms of financial investment or returns. The popularity it received over the past few years has been galvanising. In fact, it's so in vogue at the moment that a stand-up set or special can land the comic on the trending list of ticketing platforms or prime-time news channels. Among the many artistes who have risen to fame in the past few years is Shraddha Jain, popularly known as 'Aiyyo' Shraddha. An engineer and former radio jockey (RJ) turned content creator, Shraddha is currently on a tour with her first stand-up special, So Mini Things. After covering over 45 cities across three continents, she's set to wrap up the journey with the set. And where better for her to organise the last leg than India? With closing shows scheduled in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru, she is totally satisfied and elated by the responses the special received everywhere she performed so far. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, Shraddha opens up about So Mini Things, the experience performing her first stand-up special, her transition from an RJ to a comic, her process, politics and more. Edited excerpts: You've previously said that you owe much of what you've learned about content and storytelling to your time working in radio and your years as an RJ. But let me ask you something more specific: do you remember the first time you realised that you were funny and that people genuinely enjoy listening to you? I just wanted to make my father chuckle and laugh. Before I knew it, the videos in my native Tulu language had travelled six times around the earth. So I discovered my humour when I saw people enjoying listening to me, not just politely nodding, especially when those videos started flying across WhatsApp and inboxes abroad. What was your childhood like? Has that phase of your life shaped you as a comic in any way? My content is deeply rooted in my Indian middle-class upbringing and summers in my ancestral Karkala, where I soaked in village life. I come from the largest common denominator, which is the Indian middle class, and that's how I am able to find common ground with my audience. I spent holidays in Karkala, observing locals, and those very experiences became characters like Malathi akka and Genius Janaki. A post shared by Shraddha (@aiyyoshraddha) How similar or different are your real-life parents from the parent characters you portray in your comedy videos? In my first Tulu video that went viral, my father's reaction to pasta that had no gravy resonated instantly. That was the very first video that went viral, where I made Aglio e Olio pasta with parmesan… and my father wondered why it was dry… and he settled for eating it with sambar. My dad is my first critic, and his laughter — or sometimes his silence — truly influences my comedic tone. From doing comedy skits on social media to performing in front of a live audience, how has that transition been? I attribute my writing style to my RJ days — the discipline of radio shaped my content. And on stage, the shift was big at first. At the start, my radio jockey kicked in. I would not pause enough, and I would talk very fast. It took some time, but now I have settled into the set. Now I am comfortable with hecklers, improvisation, and the live energy. A post shared by Shraddha (@aiyyoshraddha) Let's say you have a show at 6 pm one day, and you arrived in the city the previous evening and checked into your hotel. What are the hours leading up to the show usually like for you? What do you spend that time doing? I go for walks! I really enjoy exploring new places on foot. In Melbourne, Sydney and London, I watched local stand-up shows and many musicals. I have spent whole days in art museums in Cleveland and Chicago! Right before you go on stage to perform, what's the last thing you do or make sure of? I think of my parents and I say to myself, 'Every single person in the audience is my own'. And I am ready. It's often said that 'the personal is political'. Since your set comprises mini stories, anecdotes and observational humour, let me ask, are you a political person? If so, how would you describe your politics? I'm not someone who enjoys the theatre of politics — the slogans, the mudslinging, or the relentless jockeying for power. If anything, my ideal version of politics would be very little politics; minimalist, pragmatic and focused. I believe governance should be like good plumbing: quietly efficient, not constantly in your face. In a country like India — diverse, complex, and emotionally charged — politics often gets tangled up in things it has no business meddling with. For me, the real business of governance is quite straightforward: ensure quality education, sanitation and public health, public safety, and create employment opportunities. Do you think artistes — comics in particular, given the massive legacy and impact many have had on people — should have a sense of responsibility towards society, and that their art should reflect that? Yes. As an artiste, I ask myself, 'What is my motive behind this piece that I want people to see? What do I want them to feel?' This has always given me clarity and weeded out my material. What would you say is your biggest strength, and your biggest weakness? Preparation. That is my biggest strength. The time I take to prepare is my big weakness! It takes forever to believe I am ready! And finally, the worst request anyone can ever make to a comedian: tell us a joke, Aiyyo Shraddha… How can you be sure Artificial Intelligence is a South Indian? 'Cos it's Anandu Suresh is a Senior sub-editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at ... Read More
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Inside Aiyyo Shraddha's wildly relatable comedy journey
'Just before I go on stage, I tell myself, these are my people,' says comedian Shraddha Jain, better known as her Instagram persona Aiyyo Shraddha. It is a quiet ritual that has grounded her through the whirlwind of a global tour, one that has taken her debut stand-up special So Mini Things across 10 countries and 45 cities. Now, as the show prepares to take its final bow in Bengaluru, that sentiment rings truer than ever. After 15 months of laughter, nostalgia and sold-out halls, she returns to home soil to close the tour where it all began. With her people. Produced by Livetree Entertainment, So Mini Things has been staged across continents, from Sydney to San Francisco, Dubai to Dublin, becoming an unexpected global hit. Drawing from Shraddha's lived experiences, the show is a collage of anecdotes rooted in Indian family life: moments of growing up, growing older, and navigating the world with the kind of perspective that comes from looking back at childhood with affection and clarity. 'It started with a story my father and I laughed about, something I had said as a child,' she says. 'We couldn't stop laughing, and I thought, wow, this is still funny so many years later. As children, our ideas about things like religion, career, relationships are much bigger than us. They're not practical at all. But they're also beautiful. You might even wonder: What if the world really worked that way? Would it be better?,' she says speaking about the seed that sparked the motivation to put this special together. Despite the variety of cities and audiences she has encountered, Shraddha rarely tailors the core of her material. 'It's like dal. The base is the same. What changes is the tempering,' she explains, adding how in Mumbai, she speaks in Marathi, and in Bengaluru switches to Kannada. Whether she is performing in Boston, Hyderabad or London, it is her voice, the quirks, her rhythm that holds it together. 'If I change the tempering too much, it stops being my story.' As someone who rose to fame through clean, observational humour online, Shraddha is quick to credit her background in radio for shaping her storytelling instincts. 'Radio taught me everything. How to write, present, and respect the mic.' The Chennai show, she says, will be emotional. 'I've had the most generous audiences. People don't just come to laugh, they come to cheer you on. Someone in Sydney once held my hand and said, 'I was so nervous for you!' Like I was family. That's what I'll carry with me.' As she prepares to retire So Mini Things, Shraddha is not rushing to write her next hour. 'Everyone has one story in them. But if you find a second one, you probably have five more. That's the scary part. Finding the second one,' she laughs. 'But for now, the next big thing is laundry.' So Mini Things will take place in Chennai on July 26 at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall. Tickets on starting ₹999.
Business Standard
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Livetree Entertainment Brings Aiyyo Shraddha's So Mini Things to India one last time
PNN New Delhi [India], July 4: After winning hearts across three continents, ten countries, and over 45 cities, including a record-breaking 28 shows across the U.S., digital star and comedian Shraddha Jain a.k.a. Aiyyo Shraddha is returning to where it all began. Her smash-hit stand-up comedy specials Mini Things will take its final bow on home soil with upcoming shows in Mumbai (2 shows onJuly 19at Shanmukhananda Hall in Sion East), Chennai (July 26at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall in Harrington Road), Hyderabad (July 27at Shilpakala Vedika, Hitech City in Madhapur), and finally in Bengaluru (3 shows - 2nd August at Ambedkar Bhavan, 3rd August at MLR Convention Centre & 9th August at Prestige Centre for Performing Arts). Produced by Livetree Entertainment, the India tour kicked off earlier this month with packed shows in Pune and Delhi. Aiyyo Shraddha's comedy set draws from the charming curiosity of a two-year-old. Titled So Mini Things for the many whimsical detours it takes - mini stories, mini perspectives, mini versions of herself, the show is a mosaic of anecdotes rooted in Indian family life. What began as her first-ever stand-up set quickly snowballed into a global sensation... a journey that has touched audiences aged 6 to 60 across cultures, languages, and generations. "The opportunity to do this, to take these stories to so many people across the world... what an adventure it is!" exclaims Shraddha. "The only thing I worried about was missing flights! So many flights!" the comedian quips. The stellar show, brought to life by Livetree Entertainment, has been nurtured and produced with care from its very first outing. Known for curating premium live experiences with legends like Sonu Nigam, Hariharan, and Jagjit Singh, the company has powered So Mini Things across the U.S., Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. "It's always so heartwarming to see people across generations line up at the end to hug Shraddha, share stories, and often say they wish they'd brought their parents or kids. For those 90 minutes, we just want people to unwind, laugh, and leave feeling lighter," shares Sharath Vatsa, CEO and Founder of the company. For the uninitiated, Shraddha, an engineer and former RJ turned content creator, has carved a niche for herself in the comedy space with her clean, observational humour and unmistakable sincerity. She was awarded in 2024 by the honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the title of 'Most Creative Creator - Female' at the National Creators Awards ceremony. It's a title Shraddha accepts with humility. "It just means I have to put more thought, more effort into my work and do it very responsibly," she avers. As Mini Things wraps up its run in India, Aiyyo Shraddha reflects, "It's been a very satisfying tour," she shares. "I will retire this material extremely contented with the journey it has made." We say, for anyone who's loved, laughed, or lived in the chaos of Indian family life, this one's truly not to be missed!
