Manoj, a good friend, deserves a wider audience. Best wishes, Manoj, oohi ashu *************** Art and literature can be preserved in democracy only: Manoj Gajurel - http://www.nepalnews.com.np/archive/2005/others/feature/dec/news_feature05.php A popular comedy artist and writer, Manoj Gajurel, is also active in pro-democracy campaigns being launched in the country. Vice-President of Sisnupani Nepal, a popular humour organization, and Damadol.com, the first humour e-magazine, Gajurel spoke to Nepalnews on the recent trend of comedy in Nepal and other issues. Excerpts: Could you share with us about your career as a comedy artist and launching of the popular television program 'Kura Company'? When I was 15 years old, I used to imitate animals, human beings and others. I started my career as a stand-up comedian actor of stage, radio and television when I arrived Kathmandu from my hometown Jhapa in 1989. �Kura Company� is a stand-up comedy show, which is being telecast from private sector Nepal 1 television. It is a humor satire show, but due to current political situation of the country, I haven�t been able to cover all political issues. But I am trying to present it as per the interest of viewers. Where do you get your subjects? You don�t think your shows are copycat of popular Indian comedian Shekhar Suman? It is not difficult to get subject matters. There are many subjects for satire in our surroundings. In fact, I collect matters based on wrongdoings in the society and other issues that will make people laugh. As far as copycat is concerned, as you know Shekhar's show is also influenced from an English show. So, I don't think that it is a copycat show. Its format is based on stand-up comedy, but content, style and presentation all are aimed at the Nepali audience. There is tough competition among comedy actors. How do you distinguish yourself from others and have you visited abroad for comedy shows? I don't think there is such type of competition among comedy artists. Comedians have their own style and areas. I have already visited half a dozen countries, where I presented caricature, monologue, parody and funny poems. I can perform my shows in Nepali, English and Hindi languages. Why are you taking part in anti-government rallies calling for restoration of democracy, among others? Firstly, I m not a political activist but I believe that my ideology, arts, culture and literature can be preserved only in democracy and freedom. I took part in such programmes as our generation of 21st century can't stay under dictatorship of any kind. Could you briefly explain us about 'Sisnupani Nepal' and Damadol.com and tell us about your future plans? 'Sisnupani Nepal' is a well-known and popular humor and satire organization, where I am the vice-president. damadol.com is the first e-magazine containing Nepali humor and satire. I am the chief editor of this first humor e-magazine of Nepal, and we are trying to make it the great library of Nepali humor. We work with a big team of Nepali humor writers, artist, cartoonist and funny people. We have a dream project of 'The Nepali School of Humor Sense.� Next month, I am going to Dubai for cultural show. nepalnews.com pb Dec 25 05