One thinks his name is poetic but Kavi Shastri clarifies, “It was due to my brother ‘Ravi’ that I was named ‘Kavi’.
In reality I have a typical Gujarati name but I am not going to reveal it,” says stand-up comedian-actor-host Kavi Shastri as he speaks to Metrolife about his acting stints in London and Mumbai and debut on Indian television as a host.
“As a kid I was academically good, very creative, but was really bad at sports,” recollects Kavi about his childhood where he was categorised as “hyperactive”!
“But thanks to my parents, who channelised all my energy into all that I enjoyed and acting happened by chance.”
For quite a few years Kavi displayed his acting skills at theatre in London before migrating to India and have a go at Bollywood. “I never thought I am funny! It just so happened that I ended up doing stand-up comedy after getting to know Vir Das on the sets of Love Aaj Kal. Even now I don’t think I am funny, but have developed my humour. Everyone of us has humour within, we just have to bring it out.”
Yet, stand-up comedy acquires second rank as acting takes the first place for Kavi who states, “I am an actor who does stand-up comedy!”
Those who know him will remember his television stint as well. But the actor is now set to take on the challenge of hosting the upcoming show Love by Chance on Bindass.
Being introduced as a host, even before he gets acquainted as an actor to Indian audience, doesn’t bother Kavi who is matter-of-fact, about it.
“It doesnt make a difference. My forthcoming film Amit Sahni ki List will give reveal to the audience the actor in me, but till it releases I want them to know me as how I am in real life. The show presents a refreshing look on love and I am its host,” says Kavi who adds that there is a beautiful side of love too “which is often not shown on television”.
Ask him about his character in Amit Sahni ki List and he refuses to reveal anything but hints, “I am playing a character who is against all the morals that I
stand for.”