I am not competing with Kapil, neither am I scared: Krushna Abhishek

[Miss Alone]

Krushna Abhishek and Kapil Sharma became friends while working on Comedy Circus, a stand-up comedy series that started in 2007. However, their relationship started souring when Kapil moved on to host his own show, Comedy Nights With Kapil. Soon, Krushna, too, started a new show with comedian Bharti Singh on the same channel. Now, he has taken over Kapil’s show, which has worsened the equation between the two. Here, Krushna talks about his new role, the pressure to perform, and more.

Were you nervous when you were asked to replace Kapil on his show?

I have been getting mini heart attacks (laughs). When we started our show, which was based on the concept of a roast, people told me that it would be a flop. But today, it is one of the most popular shows on TV. Initially, it was tough, but not anymore. It is the same with the new show. After performing on one hit show, I will have to prove myself all over again [in the new show]. I am nervous about the reaction of the audience. Some people have said that I will fail. But I think the audience’s memory is short, and they will accept Bharti and me eventually. People just want to be entertained. And once they get used to us, things will get better.

Have you spoken to Kapil after he quit the show?

No, I wanted to call him, but what would I say? I was shocked that I was asked to replace him. I am tired of explaining myself and my decision [to people]. Why would I let go of such a big show? I am a fan of Kapil, and his talent. I have learnt from him. I don’t have a problem with him, and I am not competing with him; neither am I scared of him. I am an actor, while Kapil is more of a stand-up comedian, and I don’t want to be a stand-up comedian like him.

When did your equation with Kapil change?

On Comedy Circus, the audience loved us all — Sudesh Lahiri, Bharti, Kapil and me. Once he got his own show, he called us to be part of it. But I didn’t want to be part of an entourage. I would have accepted his offer, if we were given equal status. That’s when it became an issue. In fact, I wasn’t even invited as a guest to promote my movie, Entertainment (2014), on his show. We respect each other. But we are not friends. We spoke on New Year’s Eve. He knew that I was replacing him, but we didn’t talk about the show.

Your rapport with Bharti Singh is phenomenal. How did that happen?

We have been together since Comedy Circus, and both of us want the other to be better on stage. She is sweet, down-to-earth and a great friend. She is so emotional that once when I got hurt on stage, she started crying. She is very talented, and our tuning is indeed phenomenal. We do a lot of impromptu stuff on stage. There is no competition between Bharti and me; we love working with each other.

You are still better known as Govinda’s nephew. Do you mind that?

Not at all. I am successful in my own right today, but I am proud to be called Govinda’s nephew. He is such a big star and has achieved such success, that I would never mind being called his nephew.​