To Laugh Or Not To Laugh, Is The Question.

A highlight of the week :

If you have been following the news lately, you have probably encountered the Samay Rania—Ranveer Allahbadia controversy.

Basically, Ranveer cracked a joke on Samay Raina’s YouTube show called “India’s Got Latent” that didn't align with our values and culture, and the matter reached the Honorable Supreme Court in India.

Now, some of the most learned minds in India will decide whether these youngsters should be punished for their jokes or not. 

But the bigger question I feel is “Can we afford to punish sources of free-of-cost laughter, at a time when we are living in such a stressful, polluted and polarized environment? 

There is increasing evidence that India is seeing a sharp rise in stress and loneliness. We rank very low on the World Happiness Index 2022. We are having a pandemic of sleep deprivation, diabetes, and obesity all leading to stressful physical and mental health. You may want to check the references here,  here, and here, 

So I believe a few moments of laughter and lightheartedness at the end of a long day are no less than multivitamins, exercise or nutritious food we take to improve our health. Much safer alternative to alcohol, smoking, doom scrolling or getting angry over pointless debates. 

Historically comedians and laughter has played an important role not just in improving our mental and physical health, but also in showing a mirror to the state of our society.

Modern-Day Vidhushak:

In ancient India, we used to have people called "Vidushak". They were known for their witty remarks, humorous antics, and ability to critique the ruling class through satire. Despite their comical facade, the Vidushak often uses their humour to subtly criticize societal norms and the actions of the ruling class.

For eg: the great Birabal or famous Tenali Rama

But today, we are tuning into a society which only appreciates humour if it only falls under strict criteria of religion, culture and beliefs set by its guardians, 

It saves us the mental trouble of deciding what is good for us and shows us the dire consequences of not following the punishment and reward strategy.

Eventually, we lose our ability to think for ourselves and feel safe speaking only if we support the publicly accepted view of comedy, values, and culture in general.

Cultural Commentary:

Comedians not only entertain but also help us process trauma and societal challenges. 

Their punchlines often expose uncomfortable truths in ways that invite reflection rather than resignation.

One could argue that there’s a difference between funny and vulgar, but also the definitions of funny and vulgar are not fixed or universal. They are open to one's interpretation, likes and beliefs.

If you hate Karele ki sabzi, how would you feel if someone in power decides that you will be answerable in court if you say that you hate Karela. 

Just from the fear of not getting into trouble, now you will not eat Karela because you dislike it, but also leave people wondering why is he not eating it since declaring your true reason would make you a criminal. 

Similarly, not being able to speak your mind, in a safe environment leaves a lot of repressed anger, frustration and stress that otherwise could have been relived over a couple of jokes,

Stress Relief & Health Benefits:

Scientific studies show that laughter triggers endorphin release, lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), and even improves immune function.

A good laugh boosts oxygen intake and relaxes muscles—think of it as a mini-workout for your diaphragm without breaking a sweat!

Mood Uplift:

Even brief bouts of genuine belly laughter can help you bounce back faster from stressful events, creating a natural “reset” for your brain.

Social Glue:

Laughter brings people together—sharing a laugh can break social barriers and foster connection, making our communities feel more united.

The surge in popularity of stand-up shows and online comedy (for example, in studies from Delhi where comedy is seen as a stress-buster) suggests that many people are searching for relief from everyday pressures 

The Sad Clown Paradox:

Ever notice that many great comedians seem to carry a heaviness inside? The “sad clown paradox” points to the idea that humour can be a coping mechanism for inner pain—using laughter to mask or even momentarily heal depression 

.Reflecting Society’s Struggles:

While we tolerate major societal ills, we sometimes cringe at self-deprecating humour because it forces us to confront our vulnerabilities.

So, how can we ensure that we get the best of laughter therapy in a safe way, in today’s day and age: 

Watch or Listen to Comedy:

Comedy Shows and Movies: Watch funny TV shows or movies that make you laugh.

Humorous Podcasts: Listen to comedy podcasts during your commute or free time.

Funny Videos Online: Enjoy short, funny videos on platforms like YouTube.

Engage in Fun Activities:

Join a Comedy Class: Try an improv or stand-up comedy class to learn new skills and have fun.

Host a Game Night: Play games with friends or family that encourage laughter.

Attend Live Comedy Events: Go to local comedy shows or open mic nights.

Cultivate a Playful Attitude:

Be Spontaneous: Allow yourself to be silly and playful in appropriate situations.

Share Jokes: Tell jokes or share funny stories with friends and colleagues.

Laugh at Yourself: Don't be afraid to find humor in your own mistakes.

Spend Time with Funny Friends: Surround yourself with people who make you laugh.

Maintain an Open Mind:

Accept Different Opinions: Learn to view various opinions without taking offence.

Instead of focusing on a few controversial jokes, encourage more laughter as a way to help cope with everyday stress.

Recognize that comedy is important for mental health—it’s not just extra fun, but a real stress reliever.

Support comedy that builds you up and doesn’t tear others down, making it easier for everyone to feel relaxed and open.

When we learn to laugh at life’s absurdities together, we build resilience and a sense of community that makes us more tolerant and sporting.

For those in high-pressure jobs like doctors, engineers, and other professionals, these simple ideas can be a great way to break up long, stressful days.

 Imagine if our laws and policies recognized that easy access to comedy is a public health need—helping to ease stress, boost creativity, and build a more tolerant and resilient society. 

Instead of painting a gloomy picture of youth being "corrupted" by a few off-color jokes, we could celebrate how laughter changes our thoughts and helps us face real challenges with a positive attitude.

Let’s choose laughter as our everyday medicine!

I would like to hear from you.

Reply with a suggestion, question or just say “Hi”

Cheers,

Dr. Vishal.