India, March 1 -- How do you tackle a problem such as air pollution? You don't, because, inevitably, "smog gets in the way". On Friday, 25 comedians used humour to lighten the atmosphere, something the municipality is finding almost impossible to do, in a seemingly losing battle against toxic air.

Denial taken to absurd heights and razor-sharp wit laid bare the bizarre new normal Mumbaiites are being forced to adapt to. This was Mumbai's first-ever stand-up comedy show on air pollution.

In rapid one-minute acts at the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir auditorium in Bandra, the comedians left the audience breathless - with laughter, for a change. Titled 'Laughs Per Minute: Breathless Edition', the show was organised jointly by Asar, a start-up t...