Get ready for an evening of guffaws

It is often said that one of the most difficult forms of entertainment is to make people laugh without forsaking the ‘seriousness’ of situations.

Imagine sending people to stitches imitating ‘Gabbar Singh’ in Sholay.

The dialogues of the late Amjad Khan in the 1975 blockbuster Hindi film are legendary but have often made people agitated, for the veteran actor was known for his negative roles.

Converting tense scenes into laughing matter is an art in which Raju Srivastav has become an artiste of perfection (well, almost).

From taking on the voices of Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan, reliving the bygone days of their dominance in the film industry to adding his own situation comedies, the man is a master in the field.

Raju Srivastav will be in Auckland next month for an evening of laughter under the U A International banner.

The event will be held at the Logan Campbell Centre in Greenlane on Sunday, October 7 from 7 pm.

Umesh Sharma, Director of U A International is confident that the forthcoming programme would draw capacity crowd.

“Srivastav is the ‘King of Comedy,’ well known for his hilarious imitation of celebrities. He is also a master of the stage, capable of improvising to suit the audience that he faces. His ability to entertain people of all ages and faiths without offending them is legendary,” he said.

Mr Sharma, who is also a singer by his right, said the event will feature a full group of instrumentalists and musicians, all flown from India.

“It is not every day that show business witnesses people of such great talent and it is not every day that Srivastav comes to New Zealand. This one-show-in-New Zealand would be remembered for a long time,” he said.

Tickets priced at $49, $35 and $25 are on sale at a number of Indian retails shops in Auckland.

Upcoming singer Avish (son of Mr Sharma) will render songs from the movies featuring the late Rajesh Khanna.