Chennai: What happens when an IT project manager turns the trials of corporate life, fitness challenges, and mental health struggles into comedy gold? Alt+Tab: Life of a Ram, a special by comic Ramkumar Natrajan with The Times of India as the media partner, comes up with answers with wit and wisdom.
The 90-minute stand-up show, crafted over two years and tested in 38 shows worldwide, showcases a mix of anecdotes and tailored jokes that resonate deeply with audiences.
“I was 95kg and struggled with my weight and how I tackled the mental illness cyberchondria. It took a huge toll on me, and I decided to take up running and yoga to lose weight. The first half of my set will be about my fitness journey. The second half will be about my experiences working in the IT field as a project manager and then making a 360-degree career shift to comedy,” says Ramkumar.
Despite some of the topics being personal and trying, letting go of his inhibitions was easy, he says. “Initially, I would hound myself with what would people think. But then, my style of humour is anecdotal; I think that’s why people connect so well. And through this, if they are able to learn a few important lessons, such as looking after themselves and keeping their mental health in check while they laugh, its purpose is served.”
People suddenly are motivated to exercise and lose weight and end up spending a lot of money on equipment and training cycles. “If you go to their homes after a month, you will find clothes drying on them,” says Ramkumar, who will talk about how it is okay, and people need to keep pushing themselves to be consistent.
“I’ve had people come and tell me they have started exercising or have even quit drinking or smoking after listening to my journey. Nothing is more gratifying than this.”
After testing the material for the past two years and having performed this in seven countries, the set is ready to be performed in front of 700 people at APL Global School Auditorium, Thoraippakam, on Dec 15 from 6.30pm.
What is next? “My international tour will begin in Jan, and I will come back to India to cover tier-two and three cities in Tamil Nadu. I’ve also planned for a digital release of this special towards year-end,” he says.
