What’s higher—the total number of episodes of the beloved, long-running sitcom Friends, or Mumbai’s AQI? Between endless construction, vehicle emissions and industrial waste, the maximum city’s air quality has become a punchline of its own. Which is why we’re bringing back Laughs Per Minute: Breathless Edition—a comedy showcase that puts Mumbai’s (and India’s) air quality crisis centre stage.

On 28 February, Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir in Bandra will play host to over 25 of India’s sharpest comedic minds as they attempt to do the impossible: make air pollution a laughing matter, while ensuring it’s taken seriously. In association with Asar, this special edition of DeadAnt’s proprietary, high-stakes format will be hosted by Daniel Fernandes and feature performances by Aditi Mittal, Raunaq Rajani, Aadar Malik, Supriya Joshi, Vineeth Srinivasan and more.

Launched by DeadAnt Live in 2023, Laughs Per Minute is a high-stakes format where comedians get 60 seconds each on stage to land a punchline. The show’s first Breathless edition, also in association with Asar, took place last March in New Delhi, which holds the unfortunate title of the most polluted city in the world. Mumbai is not far behind though, and this edition of the show aims to translate AQI charts and government reports into a conversation that people can actually engage with.

“For DeadAnt, this isn’t just another show—it’s part of a broader mission to use the arts as a force for impact,” said Ravina Rawal, founder and CEO of DeadAnt. “We are delighted to partner with Asar for the return of Laughs Per Minute: Breathless Edition; on raising awareness on the rising air pollution in the country, and stripping away the abstraction around air pollution, driving home the reality of what’s at stake—without the doomscroll. At DeadAnt, we believe comedy can be more than just entertainment—it can spark conversations, shift perspectives, and even catalyse change. This edition is designed to make people sit up, take notice and, hopefully, take action.”

“DeadAnt’s recognition of the urgent need to spotlight air pollution and the broader climate crisis led to this partnership,” said Brikesh Singh, Chief of Communications, Asar. “Through comedy, we aim to make climate conversations more accessible and engaging, driving attention towards actionable solutions to combat deteriorating air quality of Mumbai and mainstreaming climate communication for greater impact.” 

Laughs Per Minute: Breathless Edition will be held on Friday, 28 February at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Mumbai. Tickets available at BookMyShow.