Devang Patel 

DEVANG PATEL: Laughing his way to stardom

He is the self proclaimed Parody King. And if you know what I mean, he isn't all that bad either. Apna Gujarati Boy-Man Devang Patel elicits fits of laughter when he dishes out such scrumptious fare as Mambo No. 5, Chaloo Girl, Aye Raju and Gambler Govinda's favorite Meri Marzi. We nailed this Mr laugh-o-lova for a 'rocking' encounter just for you guys.

"I am basically a funny person who takes life too lightly. Life is full of tragedies, but if you take it too seriously then things may go out of hand," the man discloses his philosophy. Rather simple, but I think we all know this already. It is just that most of the time we fail to put it into practice. But this man does. And it shows!

He is a big name in Gujarat. In fact, he has this tendency to test waters first in his native land. Once the experiment works there, he reworks it for the Hindi belt. You may have heard this rather inane number called Duniya jaye tel lene, Aish tu kar....Well, it is obvious who the man behind it was. "This album is special for me that it gave me an opportunity to meet Amitabh Bachchan as I recorded for his music company Big B. I consider the meeting with Bachchan as the finest moment of my life," he gushes impetuously.

It was with the release of Patelscope last year that made this man a rather unconventional star. This album was a surprise hit and defying imagination even topped the charts. All he did was rehash some famous English dance numbers, spiced it with exaggerated, delightfully funny (at times downmarket too, but chalega), garish attire, truck loads of attitude and designer videos. "Patelscope was a huge hit amongst the kids. So, now I have to be doubly sure that there's no vulgar lyrics that may affect their sensibilities. I have been doing lots of shows and people really enjoy every minute of it," Devang says.

This abridged version of Jim Karrey has also lent vocals to the garrulous hit parade of Govinda by singing Meri Marzi. Just check out a dash of lyrics: Maine everest pe football khela hai, rishte mein Dara Singh mera chela hai orMadhuri Dixit mili raste mein, khaye chane maine saste mein. Now, I am not saying this shall put veteran Anand Bakshi out of work. But, one can't negate the humour element, and more so the manner of its expression. I personally feel, Devang Patel is a phenomenal mimic. And there's no exaggeration at all. He may not be a good singer, or a great writer, or great looking. But over-all, he manages to create the effect, catch your eye for more than a mere smirk and most importantly, he makes you smile.

He is currently through with Patelscope 2 and is in the process of shooting the videos. This time around there will be six medleys, which means eighteen songs. "People will fall out of their chairs as the lyrics are funnier than before." He is also in the process of producing mythological serials for television besides considering roles in Hindi films. Well, for that, we shall have to wait for a while. Till that time, just check out his views on 'uncanny' issues of life and bid him luck if you think he deserves it..

Comedy: Best medicine.

Best moment: My meeting with Amitabh Bachchan.

Weakness: Food. Favourites are Paani Poori, Khichdi Kadhi and Bhel Poori.

Reaction to criticism: Someone who can't do anything himself becomes a critic.

Movies: Something with a good subject. I am looking forward to watch - Aamir Khan's Lagaan.

Music: Anything, be it Ghazals, Classical, Filmi stuff, English pop.

How you define your music: Laugh and Dance music (L&D). For total enjoyment on picnics or while driving in cars.

Role Model: Kishore Kumar.

Motto in life: Do little work, but do it properly.

Ambition: To do lead roles in Hindi films.

Devang the performer: Just go crazy on stage and make others happy.

Devang Patel: I am thinking for the last ten years but still don't have the answer as to who I am. An unusual person, may be.

Famous quote (Of somebody else): Whenever you start a new work, always try to do it differently. Either it will be a super hit, or nobody will take note of it.

Text and pics by: Faridoon Shahryar