Raghav Mandava’s 100% Veg Jokes: building safe space for family-friendly comedy
Raghav Mandavan The Delhi-based comedian and producer has been shaping India's stand-up comedy industry and created a platform to launch some of the biggest names in the industry today. Raghav has always had one eye on the future of comedy. Raghav's latest initiative, 100% Veg Jokes is perhaps his most personal and revolutionary attempt to redefine what live comedy can mean for Indian families.
Comedy Without Awkwardness
Raghav is the first to admit that he doesn't have a philosophical problem with edgy, adult humour. But he noticed a gap: families, couples and teenagers had slowly stopped attending live stand-up shows because of the increasing prevalence of double entendres, non-veg jokes and abusive punchlines.
"It's like when you are watching a movie with your parents and suddenly the actors start getting raunchy, " he explains. That awkwardness is exactly what he wants to avoid.
His solution is very simple but bold: create a comedy format where audiences don't have to brace for discomfort. At 100% Veg Jokes, every performer is encouraged to crack only clean jokes. No sexual innuendos, no harsh profanity, and most importantly, no making fun of the audience. The goal is to build a safe, inclusive space where kids, parents and even grandparents can sit together and laugh without hesitation.
Rules of Live Stanup-Comedy with Raghav
Of course, enforcing “clean comedy” is easier said than done. Many comedians rely on indecent humor for quick laughs. To keep things playful yet firm, Raghav introduced a penalty system. Every time a comedian accidentally uses a banned word or crosses the line into non-veg territory, they must pay a fine of ₹20. But there’s a twist: they can win the money back by playing a quick quiz or game with the audience. This keeps the environment light-hearted, ensuring that even slip-ups become part of the fun. “It’s a challenge to work clean,” Raghav admits. “But I think the best comedians can do both.”
Carefully Curated Experience
Unlike late-night comedy shows that often stretch past midnight, 100% Veg Jokes is held on Sunday evenings between 5–7 pm. This timing makes it convenient for office-goers, school students, and families who want a relaxed outing before the week begins.
The shows are usually hosted in comfortable bars and cafes rather than cramped auditoriums, giving audiences a sense of intimacy and value for their evening out. “I want people to feel like their outing was worth the time and money,” Raghav says.
And audiences have responded. There have been evenings where three generations of a family—grandparents, parents, and children—sat side by side, all laughing at the same jokes. In a comedy industry that often prides itself on shock value, such a sight feels rare and refreshing.
Giving Everyone a Stage
Beyond the audience, Raghav is equally focused on giving opportunities to comedians who might otherwise struggle to find a space. He welcomes performers of all backgrounds, from first-time performers to seasoned comedians. Preference is often given to women and older comedians, groups who find the mainstream scene harder to navigate. “Anyone can reach me on socials, even if they’ve never done comedy before,” he says. “This is about building a community, not just a lineup.”
A Legacy in Indian Comedy
Raghav’s credibility comes from more than just passion. Over the past decade, he has been one of the key architects of India’s comedy ecosystem. Through his production company Cheese Monkey Mafia, founded in 2010, he organized some of Delhi’s first open mics, pub gigs, and comedy festivals. His Scratch Card show introduced the concept of mystery lineups, where audiences had no idea which star comedian would perform until they were on stage. The format attracted the likes of Aziz Ansari, Aditi Mittal, and Kanan Gill.
He also collaborated with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to host RAW in India, a contest that connected Indian comics with global stages. And when luxury venue Home in Delhi needed curated comedy for its members, Raghav was the one programming every weekend.
As a performer, Raghav has headlined at international festivals in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, hosted secret shows for Aziz Ansari, and been hailed by peers like Biswa Kalyan Rath and Neeti Palta as one of the best hosts in the business.
Why 100% Veg Jokes Matter
With 100% Veg Jokes, Raghav is not just launching another comedy property. He is addressing a cultural need—restoring comedy as a shared experience for all age groups. In a time when entertainment often feels polarized between “kids only” or “adults only,” he is carving a rare middle ground.
The experiment is working. Families who had sworn off live comedy are returning. Teenagers are getting their first taste of stand-up without their parents flinching in the seat next to them. And comedians are rediscovering the art of writing sharp, clean material.
“Comedy doesn’t need to be filthy to be funny,” Raghav says with conviction. “If you can make a room laugh without offending anyone, that’s when you truly know you’re good.”
For India’s comedy scene, 100% Veg Jokes may just be the reset button it didn’t know it needed.
Upcoming Shows of 100% Veg Jokes
Raghav Mandava's family-friendly comedy property is back with two shows this month.
14th September, 5:00 PM
28th September, 5:00 PM
Location- The Piano Man, Safdarjung, New Delhi
An early Sunday evening filled with clean, sharp, and hilarious stand-up-perfect for kids, parents, and grandparents alike. No raunch, no discomfort-just pure veg comedy!