A dose of laughter: Comedy books by Indian writers

Why not celebrate Laughter Day with a dose of giggles and chuckles as we turn one page at a time? We Indians come across satire and farce situations in our daily lives. What if every one of us compile these situations in a book? It would take us ample of time and probably a broader than-ever book. But you can have a glimpse of it as we bring to you some fictional and non-fictional comedy books by Indian writers on this occasion. 

1. The Unproposed Guy by Bhavik Sarkhedi and Suhana Bhambhani 

This book is a game-changer when it comes to comedy and amusing novels since it uses a lot of sarcasm and humour to portray the struggles, hardships, and depression that today's generations face in real life. It depicts the life of Kevin, a gifted, kind, and cheerful man who charms and unites everyone with his charisma but has a peculiar way of turning off girls, leading to his repeated rejection. Kevin, despite facing numerous rejections, discovers his ability and fortitude while maintaining a positive outlook despite his struggles and striving to become a stand-up comedian and rapper. 

2. Dissected by Naveen Kakkar

If you loved Munna Bhai MBBS, there is a high chance you might like this book. This brief read dispels all misconceptions about college life while providing a wealth of sarcasm and comedy. It also tells you everything there is to know about the typical life of a medical student. The funny narrative centres on fifty students who are enrolled in a medical college in Damsar. They have no idea what lies ahead of them, thus every day is a surprise to them. It is an action-packed entertainment that depicts the realities of getting a medical degree while also showcasing everything from the landmines of the atomic lab to the glittering corridors, from mischievous class fun to the balcony love stories, boring texts to good looks, and chemicals to cocktails.

3. Tongue-in-Cheek: The Funny Side of Life by Khyrunnisa A

This book offers an Indian perspective on domestic encounters and everyday experiences, described with comical wit. Within these pages, Khyrunnisa A. gamely experiments with organic trash-based skin care, battles her way to a wedding feast, firmly deals with a contemptuous visitor to her home, and flavors her potato curry with rather dubious ingredients. You will find humor and wit in the small situations depicted in this book, where the writer captures the essence of everyday Indian scenes.

4. Serious Man by Manu Joseph 

Set in the steamy tenements of Mumbai and a scientific institute, this is a heartbreaking and bitingly humorous Indian satire and love story. Ayyan Mani, one of the thousands of men from the Dalit (untouchable caste) who are imprisoned in the slums of Mumbai, is employed at the Institute of Theory and Research as the director's humble assistant. The director is an accomplished and confident astronomer. Ever cunning and ambitious, Ayyan spins two tales: one about his knowledge of an extramarital affair between his married boss and the first female researcher at the institute, and the other about his young boy and his wife, who is hooked on soap operas. Ayyan soon discovers that his lies are becoming more and more entwined, even as the Brahmin scientists argue about whether or not extraterrestrial life exists. Manu Joseph expertly picks apart the dynamics of this complex world, offering humorous takes on proselytizing nuns and chronicling the vanquished director serving as a guru to his former colleagues. This book was even made into a movie with the same name starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

5. Mrs Funnybones by Twinkle Khanna 

This book is based on wit and everyday observations. Mrs Funnybones captures the life of the modern Indian woman who organizes dinner each evening, even as she goes to work all day, who runs her own life but has to listen to her Mummyji, who worries about her weight and the state of the country. "Good morning, it’s 6 a.m. and I am wide awake because the man of the house has decided that he needs to perform a series of complex manoeuvres that involve him balancing on his left elbow. When I fell asleep last night, there was a baby lying next to me. Her smelly diaper is still wedged on my head but aside from this rather damp clue, I can't seem to find her anywhere. I could ask my mother-in-law if she has seen the baby, but she may just tell me that I need to fast on alternate Mondays, and God will deliver the baby back to me", such are the lines of the book for a glance.

6. Lights! Wedding! Ludhiana! by Jas Kohli

In this novel, Jas Kohli takes humour and satire to another level with his depiction of a quirky family in the small but famous town of Ludhiana. At the beginning of the story, Reeti is busy organizing her makeup and attire so she will wow the guests at the wedding reception. But things quickly spiral out of control when her mischievous son Lakshya discovers a secret that not only causes a string of mishaps but also poses a serious threat to the family's harmony. There isn't a dull moment until they arrive at the wedding location.  It’s full-on Lights! Wedding! Ludhiana! Will the Rahejas be able to weather this storm? 

7. A Spoonful of Curds by Bharati Jagannathan

Written with plenty of heart and a touch of humour, A Spoonful of Curds brings together a dozen short stories that unfold around Tamilians – both in India and abroad. From negotiating an arranged marriage and surviving the politics of the domestic realm, to love blossoming for the first time between newlyweds and empowering journeys of self-discovery – these stories bring out the curious, sometimes eccentric, singular world of their loveable characters.