KUALA LUMPUR: The name Kavin Jayaram, or Kavin Jay in short, may not ring a bell amongst followers of Bahasa Malaysia comedy.
Kavin is now set to make his mark amongst Bahasa comedy fans by participating for the first time in Astro Warna’s popular battle-of-the-comedians Maharaja Lawak Mega 2016.
Kavin admits that he is "very inexperienced" in Bahasa comedy but is confident that he can reach out to a new "market" and tickle many followers of the series.
“While I speak and joke in English most of the time, I’ve conveyed my funny stories in Bahasa amongst friends, and they’ve ‘laughed their heads off’ too,” said Kavin at the launch of the comedy challenge show in Dua Sentral, Brickfields here today.
Kavin has done stand up comedy with notable Bahasa-speaking comedians over the last decade and they include A-listers Afdlin Shauki and Harith Iskander, and newcomer Reza Mukmin (who is the other solo contestant in Maharaja Lawak Mega 2016 besides Kavin).
“Sharing the stage with them, despite we appearing in our different segments, has enabled me to chat with them backstage and appreciate Bahasa Malaysia humour.
“Humour is universal and can be expressed in different languages. The bottom line is, it tickles the audiences.”
Kavin, who is best known for appearing in comedy showcases as Laugh Die You 1 and 2 last year, and the Young Comedians Of Malaysia’s Comedy Hour, believes in "moving out of his comedic comfort zone".
“This is my first baby step in that direction. Ultimately, I’d love to have a starring role in a fully Bahasa Malaysia comedy series or movie.”
Last year, Kavin participated in Astro Warna’s stand-up comedy series Komediri, where he "practised" his delivery of jokes in Bahasa.
“I did get a strong applause from the audience, and it encouraged me to join Maharaja Lawak Mega 2016. While competition is stiff, my aim is to do my best and carve my own niche in Bahasa comedy.”
Maharaja Lawak Mega 2016 has 15 contesting troupes and soloists, and it is hosted by Datuk AC Mizal.
Aired on Astro Warna (channel 132) and Mustika HD (channel 134) every Friday for 14 weeks beginning Jan 29. The contestants’ marks are awarded by a panel of judges (70 per cent) and determined by viewers’ votes (30 per cent).