Everyone was worried when Sunil left, but Comedy Nights is Kapil's show and he knows his job well: Kiku "Palak" Sharda

Anyone who watched yesterday night’s episode of Comedy Nights with Kapil (Colors), would agree that Palak (played by Kiku Sharda) nailed it with her superb comic histrionics. While watching the episode we were amazed how Palak, as a character, has come out of the shadow of super popular Gutthi and has now become an entity of its own. Regular watchers of the show would know that Sunil Grover playing Gutthi always gained more screen footage in the above Colors’ rib-tickler and post Sunil’s unceremonious exit from the show, the role of Palak has found prominence. With Sunil coming up with his own comedy show on Star Plus playing Chutki, a character strikingly similar to Gutthi, Kiku and company will have to up the ante to stay afloat in the number game. Shared Kiku when we praised him on his superb comic timing as Palak: “Thanks a lot. Whenever I come on stage as Palak, lot of people encourage me, including Sidhuji (Navjot Singh Sidhu). Thus, I too try to come up with something new every single time. A lot was said which included people asking what would happen to the show when Gutthi left but I want to affirm that it’s Kapil’s show and he knows his job well,” said the actor. So is he sensing his rising popularity? “Yes, I can hear the crowd go oooohhh….when I enter the stage now,” said Kiku with a smile. Amusingly, Kiku too is in love with Palak, “She is an unapologetic fat girl who is happy about the way she is. She also back answers people and talks to her neighbour’s guest and at times even ignores Kapil. She is completely bizarre and that’s what I like the most about this character. I find her too cute.” Talking about his inputs he averred, “I keep reinventing random things about this character which includes certain nuances. I also work on it every time I can as I do not want it to get boring. This is also why I try and keep it unpredictable. Things are working for Palak and the response on Twitter is also good.” Palak is at its best phase on the show and Kiku is being appreciated but the channel wasn’t ready to give Palak all the responsibility when Gutthi left. In fact, they were looking out for a replacement. Did this fact pinch Kiku? “Gutthi was huge at that point of time and my only concern was that instead of looking out for a replacement they should get another character because Gutthi wasn’t just a character but it had Sunil’s (Grover) persona. Hence, this couldn’t have been treated like a daily soap. Moreover, when someone comes as a replacement he or she gets compared. As far as Palak is concerned the responsibility came a bit later and everybody was unsure if she’d be able to handle the show. But, we took the risk and we delivered. Everybody is happy now and numbers have remained intact. It still remains Kapil’s show.” Now that’s honesty. Keep up the good work Kiku!!!