Kapil still seems dazed by the turn of events in his life. `2013 was positively the most important year of my life.It's all destiny. I was doing comedy on television for many years and I was working equally hard . But now suddenly I seem to have connected with people everywhere, and it's not just Hindi or Punjabi speaking audiences.`
Earlier this month Kapil was in Oman for a concert where he had to be whisked out of backstage due to the clamour of crowds in the audience.
Wonder-stuck the comic virtuoso says, `It was not a Hindi-speaking audience.But the crowds seem to catch all the punchlines.They got so excited that I had to be taken out of the back entrance.But there were twice as many people at the back gate than the front.`
The love of the people stuns Kapil. ` I don't know why people love me so much. Or how they know manage to keep track of me and my activities. Some time ago I blurted out my mobile number on a reality show by mistake.Aarti Chabria and I were doing a gig where I had to say a number. Mine came automatically to my lips. I never imagined people actually heard me say the digits because I said them so fast. The next thing I knew there were callers from all over the world.`
Kapil is about the change his phone number. `If I didn't do so yet it was because somewhere I enjoyed all the attention. I had struggled hard for it. But now it's impossible to handle.`
The perks of being India's funniest funny-man far out-weight the disadvantages. In November in Australia for a live concert Kapil had the singular of bringing India and Pakistan together under the same roof.
Says Kapil with modest pride, `For my Australian show Pakistan's General Consulate and India's ambassador to Australia sat together to watch my show. It was a moment I'd cherish forever. I am told Pakistanis enjoy my my show hugely.I'd love to have laughter bond both the countries.`
Kapil confides his friends are with him from his school days. `My best friend Dinesh has been with me for years. He used to play the guitar in an orchestra and I'd sing. Now I like to take him on all my concerts. I'm comfortable with the 15 friends I have from before I became an entertainer. Now I get to meet all sorts of people in the entertainment industry. They are interesting, but not friends.Main aapko sach bataaoon? Kuch log yahan par badi ajeeb baatein karte hain.`
Managing the material for the mirth on Comedy Nights With Kapil and juggling with various concerts abroad and at home are taking their toll on Kapil's time.
On 3 January Kapil performed in Kuwait.
Says the comic virtuoso, `Everywhere I go I try to introduce a local flavour to the humour.It's a lot of research and a lot of hard work. But I am enjoying every bit of. I've struggled hard to get here and I don't let any negativity ruin my pleasure.`