Comedian Pappu Pom Pom performs at an event at Utkal Mandap in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 3: The slapstick comedy and rib-tickling jokes of actor Pappu Pom Pom attracted hundreds to the Utkal Mandap open auditorium in the city at the entertainment-cum-charity event, “A Night with Pappu Pom Pom” on Monday.

The fun-filled programme had performances by some well-known actors and singers too. Young fans of the ace-comedian thronged the auditorium as did middle aged people and senior citizens.

The sound of laughter resonated at the venue as Pappu came up with humour punches. The stand-up comedian first depicted the changing scenario of education. “I met a teacher who has found an easy way to teach alphabets to young boys. They remember it effortlessly when I taught them that A stands for Amelie and B stands for Bani and so on,” said Pappu to which his followers broke into thunderous applauses.

His gags on stage, along with members from his team of famous comedy programme Faltu Katha, were hilarious. Acting as a bike thief, he cracked tickling jokes that had uproarious puns. Then came his “Pala” singer avatar. Dressed up as the typical Pala leader, a traditional performing folk art of Odisha, wherein the singers hum mythological stories, Pappu recited Akshay Mohanty’s famed comedy song, Sabi lo Sabi as the mantra. He went on to talk about four different types of love stories seen in the society.

“Pappu is simply the best. He always has a funny take on different situations and people. But most remarkable things about him are his fluent expressions and typical dialogues. Also, he always has a moral lesson wrapped with humour in his comedy,” said Sushant Saha, a viewer.

Interludes of dance items by Debasish, Lovely, Deepak, Bubbly and a brilliant rendition by singer Navya enthralled the viewers. Anchor Sulagna Routray was outstanding. Pupinder and Rakhi supported her on the stage. Pappu also sang on stage along with musician friend Abhijeet Mazumdar. The duo performed Pappu’s hit album song Maa lo Maa, Manisa jibana tensoniya.

Children from the orphanage Asha Kiran — for which funds of a couple of lakhs was raised at the event — also performed on stage.