Archana Puran Singh, a permanent guest on The Great Indian Kapil Show, has become known for her infectious laughter, often elevating moments of the show with her vibrant energy. However, the actress recently opened up about the challenges of maintaining her comedic spirit during difficult personal times.
In a candid interview with Instant Bollywood, Singh recounted a particularly harrowing experience when she received news of her mother-in-law’s death while filming an episode. “There was a comedy show, and I think we had shot half of the episode when I got the news that my mother-in-law had passed away,” she recalled. Despite her grief, she felt compelled to stay and perform. “I told them that I had to go, but they asked me to just sit through the show. I laughed and imagined, in my head, what is going on now that my mother-in-law had just died.”
Singh explained how her extensive experience in the entertainment industry influenced her decision to stay. “After spending 30–40 years in this industry, you know the producer’s money is invested in this. You can’t leave your work incomplete,” she said. Her husband also understood her predicament, allowing her to focus on the task at hand. “Everything went dark; I couldn’t see anything. They just said ‘action,’ and I laughed and laughed. I thought, who would have such a fate that they had to laugh even after hearing such news… but the show must go on.”
In a separate discussion with Siddharth Kannan, Singh addressed her role on the show and the pay disparity between her and other cast members. While she brings a unique dynamic to the show, she revealed that she earns half of what her fellow cast members, like Kiku Sharda, make. When Kannan posed a question about whether Sharda felt unfair about Singh’s earnings, she quickly intervened. “Paise ye log double le jate hai. Toh sahi hai na, mehnat karo bhai. (These people earn double the money, so they must do the hard work). I’m getting paid to laugh, and they’re getting paid for their hard work.”
As Singh continues to navigate the complexities of her role on *The Great Indian Kapil Show*, her ability to balance personal challenges with professional obligations showcases her resilience and dedication to the craft of entertainment.
