Bhubaneswar, Nov. 25: Stand-up comedy, especially in English, is slowly acquiring a cult following among youngsters in the city. A number of comedy events, too, have been organised here that was unthinkable even a few years back.

However, as the English scene is rising, Odia stand-up comedy that rose to dizzy heights due to actor-comedian Tatwaprakash Satapathy, popularly known as Pappu Pom Pom, has taken a beating with most artistes resorting to political skits.

Recently, an open-mike evening was hosted at city-based eatery Chill Umm, where a newly-formed group called Bhubaneswar Komedians performed. The group also encouraged youngsters in the audience to join them on the stage.

"The Bhubaneswar Komedians is in its formative stage. Stand-up artistes from Calcutta came together for the project after they came to know that youth from Bhubaneswar take interest in English comedy," said Chill Umm owner Gourav Madhogaria.

The founder of Bhubaneswar Komedians, Raouf Gangjee, a renowned stand-up comedian, who also formed Kalkutta Komedians and Vizag Komedians, hosted the event that saw a rush of youngsters who also tried a hand at one-liners.

"The response has been great and we will be back very shortly," Gangjee said at the event. At least 10 youngsters tried to tickle the funny bones of the audience with one-liners.

College students feel stand-up comedy is not an easy art.

"You need great timing and ensure that the joke clicks and doesn't fall flat because what's funny for you may not be so for the audience," said Nigam Patra, a college student who also attended the event.

While the city youth, especially those pursuing technical education and MBA, are trying their hands at English stand-up comedy, the Odia artistes are grasping at straws.

Pappu Pom Pom, who was the most popular face of the Odia stand-up comedy scene, has become less visible with his television shows missing and stage appearances becoming very frequent.

With Pappu almost renouncing stand-up comedy, a few artistes satirising politicians on Odia television, are flying the flag of the shrinking world of Odia stand-up comedy.