On World Laughter Day, NT NETWORK looks at laughter’s effect on health and emotional well-being while celebrating the state’s comedy scene
RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT NETWORK
Laughter not only entertains but also reduces stress and boosts health. And in today’s fast-paced world, where pressure takes a toll on many, comedy shows give people a chance to unwind and laugh out loud.
LVC Comedy
In Goa, a few comedy clubs have been instrumental in bringing some prominent names from the stand-up comedy scene to the state.
Among them is LVC Comedy, founded by Warren Viegas in 2018. In fact, Viegas says the comedy scene in Goa peaked around that time.
“That was a high point. But as we grew and began signing talent from across India, our focus expanded. Now, we operate in three cities, tour across 52 markets in India, and run global shows through clients,” he says.
While Goa did have a couple of comedy clubs before, LVC Comedy Club remains the longest-standing one, having been operational for over five years now.
“Comedy clubs are where most comedians get their start—working on five-minute sets, building to longer ones, and eventually performing across cities. They’re essential to growing the industry,” says Viegas.
However, he believes that Goa’s stand-up comedy scene isn’t stagnant, but is instead treading cautiously. “In Goa and many other markets, once comedians reach a certain level, they usually move to Mumbai or Delhi—where most of the opportunities are, from writing gigs to brand work. About 90% of working comedians are in those two cities,” explains the CEO of LVC Comedy.
Under the microscope
Viegas believes that comedians today are facing increasing scrutiny. “There’s a bigger microscope now, often used to distract from more serious national issues,” he says. “Take the case of comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina—he faced backlash over something someone else said on his show, and it became a national issue. Meanwhile, far more serious events go largely unaddressed. The outrage over comedy often feels
disproportionate.”
He points out the differences in censorship between India and countries like the US. “In the U.S., comedians are protected by the First Amendment. There’s cultural acceptance of jokes about those in power. India’s industry, still young at just over 15 years, doesn’t have that freedom. Some topics definitely come with repercussions.
He adds, “For me, jokes are just well-crafted setups with punchlines. There’s clean humour, dark humour—something for everyone. If you don’t like a style, just don’t consume it. It’s the same as skipping horror films if you prefer rom-coms. People often forget that jokes aren’t meant to be taken as statements.”
One of the misconceptions about stand-up, is also the assumption that comedians are always ‘on.’ “People pay to see a set that’s been polished over a year to get laughs every 30 seconds. It’s a performance. So when someone meets a comedian in person and doesn’t find them funny, they forget it’s a crafted act—just like an actor playing a role,” says Viegas.
Managing the funny business
Though he now manages comedians more than performs, Viegas remains passionate about the art. “We represent about 35 comedians and work with platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and major brands,” he says. “What keeps me going is being surrounded by funny people—and yes, the business side too. For comedians, there’s really nothing quite like that magical feeling of making a room full of strangers laugh.”
Bla Bla Bla Entertainment
Bla Bla Bla Entertainment is a relatively new entrant to the comedy scene in Goa. In fact, when founder and CEO Mosaic Johnson started the company, his goal was to position Goa as the comedy capital of India. “I started Bla Bla Bla with a passion to showcase Goan comedic talent not just across India, but internationally,” he says, adding that although his perspective has evolved, his passion is now stronger than when he first started.
Laughter and Goan culture
Goa, says Johnson, already has the relaxed, stress-free vibe that makes it perfect for comedy. “Laughter is one of the cornerstones of Goa’s culture,” he says. “Our laid-back ‘chillaxing’ attitude defines who we are.” However, to truly make a mark in the comedy world, he states, Goa needs more suitable venues.
“We need support from the Chief Minister’s Office, and the arts and culture, tourism, and education departments to help us achieve this vision,” he says.
Still, he adds, the audience is steadily growing, thanks to increased awareness through social media. “The perception is shifting,” he notes. “While different generations may prefer different styles, stand-up is finding fans across all age groups.”
Striking the right balance
At Bla Bla Bla, they aim to bring light, non-offensive humour into every event or project.
They carefully select comedians whose humour fits the company’s standards. “A little bit of naughtiness and real-life moments is essential—that’s what real comedy is about,” he says. In a time when jokes can be easily misunderstood, Johnson says they regularly engage with their performers about intent and tone. “It’s a grey area we’re all treading carefully through. Comedians should be mindful, and audiences need to stop overanalysing every line.”
Laughter as medicine
Laughter may seem like a simple reaction, but its effects go beyond momentary joy.
According to consultant psychiatrist Dr. Ravindra Agarwal, laughter acts almost like a mini workout, reducing stress hormones, improving heart health, and triggering the release of mood-enhancing chemicals. “When we laugh, our body relaxes, blood pressure drops, and we feel lighter and happier,” he says, adding that a positive mindset can accelerate recovery. “Laughter can relieve discomfort and support the healing process.”
Psychologist Shobhika Jaju (Silver Linings: Guidance & Counselling Centre) adds that laughter stimulates the brain’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals, endorphins, which boost mood and lower cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress.
“People who laugh more tend to be less anxious and more resilient to daily challenges,” agrees Dr. Agarwal (Manipal Hospitals, Goa). “We also feel more connected to those with whom we laugh. Laughter shifts our focus away from worry and provides mental relief. It doesn’t replace professional care, but it supports emotional
strength and coping.”
Constructive coping
Jaju explains that laughter can interrupt rumination—persistent, negative thought loops common in anxiety and depression. “We don’t encourage forced laughter,” she clarifies, “but even brief exposure to humour—like watching a comedy clip—can disrupt negative thought loops and provide emotional relief. “It’s a simple way to shift focus and create space for more constructive coping.”
While therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) don’t formally include laughter, Jaju explains that humour plays a vital role in helping clients view their thoughts objectively and ease emotional resistance. “Even simulated laughter can trigger genuine positive feelings through the brain-body feedback loop,” she notes.
Dr. Agarwal highlights how laughter is used in group therapy settings, such as watching comedy together or engaging in cultural performances like tiatr.
However, he cautions that not all situations benefit from laughter therapy—for instance, it may not be appropriate for someone facing deep grief or post-surgical recovery, where excessive laughter could cause strain. “Like any approach, it should be used with care and timing,” he advises.
Role in early child development
Laughter is also important in early social and emotional development of children. “It builds empathy, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. Parents and caregivers should create an environment where children feel safe enough to laugh freely,” says Jaju.
When laughter signals a problem
Despite its benefits, Dr. Agarwal warns that frequent, inappropriate laughter may indicate medical conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, or brain injury. “Medical attention is important in such cases.”
For those recovering from trauma, Jaju suggests small steps to restore joy—consuming uplifting content, revisiting happy memories, or engaging with positive company.
The power of laughter
Happiness coach Sachika Almeida Sharma believes laughter may be one of the simplest ways to heal.
Sharma has conducted laughter therapy sessions (which include movement, meditation, and storytelling) across schools, colleges, corporates, and wellness spaces in Goa and beyond. These sessions help people reconnect with joy and offer simple tools to feel better
“Laughter yoga is about laughing for no reason,” she explains. “There are no jokes or funny stories — just exercises that make you laugh. It may feel forced at first, but soon it becomes natural.”
She notes that the body doesn’t distinguish between real and simulated laughter — the benefits are the same. “With regular practice, it rewires the mind to be more positive. It improves your mood, eases stress, and sharpens focus.”
Laughter in a group setting, she adds, is especially effective. “It’s contagious. One person starts, and it spreads. Before long, everyone’s laughing — not because they’re told to, but because they genuinely feel lighter.”
Over the years, Sharma has received heartfelt feedback. “People say they hadn’t laughed in years, or that it feels like their soul has returned. It’s humbling to witness such breakthroughs.”
She encourages people to bring laughter into their daily routines — even when alone. “Laugh while cooking, walking, or just looking in the mirror. You don’t need a reason. It’s not about ignoring life’s seriousness, but finding moments of lightness within it. Once you’re in a good mood, everything becomes easier.”
Laughing matters
A firm believer in the power of laughter, cartoonist Alexyz reveals that every time he visits “good old Bombay,” he heads to Joggers Park in Bandra to join morning laughter sessions, a routine he swears by.
A passionate reader on the subject, he credits ‘Anatomy of an Illness’ by Norman Cousins for inspiring him. The bestseller recounts how Cousins used humour to overcome a life-threatening illness. “It changed how I view healing,” says Alexyz. “I think I now have enough stories of my own to write a book someday.”
While laughter clubs have long existed globally, Alexyz says that it was Dr. Madan Kataria who brought them into the mainstream in India. “I was so interested; I even went to meet him. Sadly, people still don’t take laughter seriously—perhaps because it’s free, and some think it diminishes professional authority. “
In Goa, he laments, laughter clubs haven’t taken root. “I’ve attended sessions in Porvorim and Miramar, but they didn’t last. Maybe I’ll need to start one myself.”
To him, laughter is as vital as breathing. “Hasya Yoga, or laughter yoga, boosts mental well-being, but it’s often overlooked—possibly because it’s too simple to monetise.”
Alexyz sees cartooning in the same light. “Cartoons also help people feel better or think differently. Cartoonists work hard to make readers smile, but they’re not always taken seriously. Sometimes, we’re even censored.”
Still, he keeps his sense of humour. “Cartooning may be an occupational hazard,” he says, laughing, “but I’ve mastered the art of smiling. I laugh at the drop of a hat—or even while picking it up.”
