Actress Indraxi Kanjilal, who is currently portraying the role of Prarthana in Pushpa Impossible, shares her thoughts on the importance of laughter in life. “To me, as an actor, laughter is very important because throughout the day I’m playing different emotions, and in real life, I need to laugh a little. As actors, we carry so many emotions in one day—sometimes we’re crying, and then in the next scene, we’re happy, and then shouting at someone. So, it’s a lot more hectic than people think. I believe laughter makes it a little easier. It lightens up the mood and helps me relax, because portraying so many emotions can be a little stressful sometimes.”

She adds, “Honestly, laughter in day-to-day life is a tough job. Not every day goes the same way—some days go well, some don’t. Daily stress and hustle make us forget to laugh or even smile. Two years ago, I remember being in a very dark place. I wouldn’t laugh or smile. Even if I did, it wasn’t wholehearted because I didn’t feel like smiling. But if someone smiled at me, I had to smile back. Or if someone cracked a joke, I would politely smile so they wouldn’t feel bad. And it’s not just for actors—students these days are constantly stressed because of exams, school pressure, and peer pressure. I think peer pressure plays a major role in the stress of daily life.”

Talking about her inspiration in comedy, Indraxi says, “My biggest inspiration when it comes to comedy and making people laugh is me. Many people might not know this, but I’m actually a very funny person. My friends and even my parents know this. Making my father laugh is a big deal because he’s quite a serious person. He doesn’t usually laugh or crack jokes, but when he does, it’s genuinely funny. Both my parents have a good sense of humor. I have great funny genes. I can make people laugh when I want to. I don’t like to be influenced by what others say, believe, or think. I believe I am the only person who can bring happiness or laughter into my life. Because even though there are people who want the best for me and try to make me laugh, unless I’m happy from within, I won’t laugh genuinely or from the heart. True laughter and happiness come only when I truly feel it.”

Sharing her thoughts on comedy versus serious roles, Indraxi says, “It’s true that comic roles are tougher than serious ones. My character Prarthana is not funny—she’s a very serious character. But playing a comic role is much tougher because you have to make other people laugh. Even if a scene is written to be funny, sometimes people still don’t laugh. It’s not easy to be the comic relief in a serious space. So I think actors who specialize in comedy do a fantastic job—it’s definitely tougher. The timing has to be perfect. There are so many factors involved in delivering a comic performance.

“Akshay Kumar’s comic timing is so perfect—he can make anyone laugh. I think he has the best comic timing. I also love Govinda, Paresh Rawal, Nana Patekar, and Kader Khan. And Bharti Singh too—she’s a genius when it comes to comic representation. She does an amazing job. I think only a few people can actually make others laugh like that.”

On a personal note, Indraxi says she doesn’t enjoy dark comedy, as she feels anything that causes hurt can’t bring genuine laughter to people’s faces.