A saleswoman in the morning, cook by the day, and a comedian bynight, that's how Deepika spends her day. This 43-year-old Deepika Mhatrebegins her day at 4:00 am to sell jewellery to train passengers and then from 7am onwards till 4 pm in the evening she goes to five homes to cook food.
This tiring schedule of her is a basic necessity to feed herfamily of five in Nala Sopara, Mumbai. Amid all the life struggles this womanfinds some time out of her pocket to take the stage and make people laugh.
How dida cook become a stand-up comedian?
In conversation with The Better India, Deepika shared how shestarted the journey of a comedian and said, "this started when Sangeetamadam (the woman whose house Deepika used to work) arranged a talent show for usbai log. No one actually does that, right? But she gave us a platform toshowcase our talents, just as a fun activity. That's where I decided to take myjokes to the stage".
Deepika was spotted by Rachel Lopez, a Hindustan Times reporterduring her first show and it was Rachel who introduced Deepika to Aditi Mittal,an established Indian comedian. Later, Aditi offered Deepika to move to aprofessional stage as a stand-up comedian." I had never performed on a bigstage before. So Aditi took me to shows where she performed and mentioned me.Gradually, we shot one episode of 'Bad Girl'".
Her jokes are usually based on her life struggles. But, it neverfeels like a complaining session by some woman. It feels like a group of maidscracking jokes about their work and employers. Every joke that she cracks is apoint to be noted for all those who take their domestic helpers as inferiors.
Whenever she's asked for an interview the only thing she demandsis a request for help as his husband is suffering from asthma and she herselfhas high blood sugar. Owing to their health conditions it gets tough for them towork. Only her elder daughter has a job right now among her Children.
A woman like Deepika is a source of inspiration for all of us towork harder and also to feel blessed that God gave us enough to live. Deepikacould have simply said no to Aditi and then she wouldn't have to work for 19-20hours a day. But, it was her strength and spirit to never settle that kept her going.