Page 16 - Masala Lite Issue 161 May 2024

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From one stage to the next, Vir has experienced
different audiences from various parts of the
globe. In a recent New York Times article, he
was described as the “embodiment of stand-
up comedy’s globalisation.” After winning
an Emmy for his stand-up special Vir Das;
Landing (2022), his humour is truly global. I
asked which elements he believes resonate
with people, specifically with desi audiences,
both domestic and abroad.

“I’m just a perpetual outsider, man,” replied
Vir as he ran through the different stages of
his identity. “I grew up in Africa as an Indian,
then was an African in an Indian boarding
school, and then ‘the Indian guy’ at a college
in America. And then I was ‘the guy from
the American drama school’ in Bollywood.
After that, I was ‘the Bollywood guy trying to
make it into Hollywood.’ I’ve never truly fit in
anywhere, and that’s what makes it global;
my show is for the outsiders.”

On the brink of his Mind Fool World Tour There is definitely a special connection
in Bangkok, comedian Vir Das talks about between him and his audience; it’s evident
in his specials. While laughter has been a
never growing up and the importance of part of our lives since we were toddlers, the
nature of comedy in our lives has evolved
thought-provoking comedy. from discovering our play instincts, to using
comedy often as a defence mechanism when
we reach adulthood. While we laugh, it makes
BY MAHMOOD HOSSAIN us ponder on the more serious nature of
things. Vir cleverly uses this side of comedy, as
he’s known not only for his thought-provoking
interactions with his audience, but for the
t wasn’t until the Middle Ages that the term ‘comedy’ evolved from ancient emotions his performances evoke. His crowds
Greek and Roman stage plays with happy endings, to becoming synonymous often feel more introspective, as he goes
with satire and humour, and provoking non-stop laughter. From Shakespearean beyond comedy and satire.
plays to court jesters challenging the crown with risqué comedic jabs, these
on-stage performers have delivered jokes that have the ability to disarm us, “I’m just talking, to be honest. There’s no
make us forget the worries in our lives for a brief moment, and more importantly, intended outcome,” explains Vir. “If you have
they usually remind us not to take things too seriously. an intended outcome, then just stick to the
jokes, as you can depend on the laughter.
Vir Das, who started his comedy career in the early 2000s, is the ideal example of However, I like the silence [on stage] once
the aforementioned elements of comedy. After he graduated from Knox College in a while. It feels natural and doesn’t feel
in Galesburg, Illinois, he was accepted into the Harvard University and Moscow manipulative. One of the big criticisms in
Art Theatre joint Stanislavsky Program, becoming a method actor for several comedy sometimes is, ‘don’t make me think,
months. Those years of training and comedic instincts thrust him into Indian cinema, just make me laugh.’ If you want that, then get somebody to tickle you. But if you’re
springboarding his television and film career in the mid to late 2000s. And as for the at my show, you’re going to think too alongside the jokes.”
bold and unapologetic critique of people in power and society in general? Vir checked
that off the list too with a couple of his Netflix stand-up specials that stirred up quite Anyone would think that someone like Vir Das, in the company of some of the world’s
the controversy back in India. best stand-up comedians in green rooms of comedy clubs and on multiple podcasts,
might have accumulated priceless amounts of wisdom. Vir was quick to comically
Fortunately, the dust has somewhat settled for now, allowing me the absolute interrupt me: “Good Lord, not one bit! Kuch nahin. Zeeerrooo ghanta! That’s it, that’s
pleasure of sitting down with one of the best comedians around. “I’d shot a movie in how much wisdom I have in my right now.” I couldn’t help but chuckle at his “zero
Bangkok,” exclaimed Vir after I asked him if his upcoming show was his first time in hours” of gathered wisdom. But he did take a moment to add, “I believe if you open
the city. “It was Badmaash Company (2010) for Yash Raj Films, and I think we stayed yourself up to the fact that your talent belongs to you, and your reputation belongs
at the Grand Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok for 45 days during the shoot. I remember to other people, you’ll set yourself free. Because then, all you’ll have to worry about
doing a couple of public shows there as well, but that was a long time ago.”
is your talent.”

Clearly, since the movie’s release in 2010, Bangkok has changed quite a bit, which has I tried to extract more wisdom from Vir on his recent experiences of performing
the 44-year-old excited for his return. “I’m definitely gonna eat out! As you can see, in some of the world’s most famous and reputable venues in entertainment, such
I’m talking to you in the costume truck of a movie I’m shooting,” Vir tells me, while as Carnegie Hall. The atmosphere and history are such a venue must have been a
indicating his surroundings like Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune (1975- ). I have to completely different experience; it must have altered the way he performs on stage.
wear all these outfits and try to look good, so I’m currently carb-free and sugar-free.
That ends when I come for the show. I’m looking forward to having the local food “I don’t think it’s changed the way I perform, except for having higher expectations.
and fine dining, and just gorge myself!” It’s Carnegie Hall and it’s sold-out months in advance. I was the first comic from India
to perform there. At that moment of performing, you’re not thinking of legacy, you
Well-acquainted with what Bangkok has to offer and after briefly reflecting on his just want to put the audience first – they’ve taken Ubers, hired babysitters, saved
positive experience with the Thai-Indian community many years ago, Vir provided their money, and even cancelled other plans to watch the show. And it’s New York
me with a bit more meaning behind his Mind Fool World Tour. “I believe the Mind City, so they have plenty of other options. It’s important to make this about them.”
Fool show is for the ‘idiots’ of the world who haven’t grown up, which is certainly
how I feel. There is this massive chapter in ‘adulting’ that we’re supposed to read, Of course, Vir’s hilarity isn’t just limited to stand-up comedy. We briefly touched base
and I don’t know where you read or find it, but I clearly missed it,” he reveals, with on seeing him back in the film and TV space, such as his upcoming series Country
a laugh. “I feel like a child who is pretending to be a grown-up. I think many adults Eastern, a project he’s been working on with Andy Samberg. “I can’t give too much
feel the same way, like we don’t have our stuff together. That’s the core feeling of away on projects that are still under development or production,” he demurs. “But
the show. I ask myself, ‘am I alone in this?’ I feel like an idiot 90 percent of the time. right now, I’m in an action-comedy, and that’s a first. Similar to Country Eastern,
That’s really the theme. Ultimately, I’ll talk about travelling, happiness, kindness, which is about an Indian guy playing country music. I don’t think anyone has seen
family, love, democracy, and so on. And I hope you’ll go home laughing.” that before. There’s another project I’m working on where I’m playing a very dark,
psychotic character. Again, that’s another first for me. I’m trying to mix it up a little!”
The response made me wonder about Vir’s thought process, as personal stories and
experiences, and his extensive journey across the world, are what create a solid We could have continued our conversation for another hour or so, but as busy as
foundation for his comedy. It led me to ask him what profound experience hasn’t he was, he was soon off to set, after a costume change or two. Naturally, I had to
translated to the stage yet. conclude by asking if had some parting words for our wonderful Thai-Indian readers
and audience. With his promotional voice on deck, he says laughingly, “Yes! Tickets are
“I’ve been around the world three times so that’s a tough question to answer, not still available, please book your seats. Come and see me and I promise you, you’ll be
sure I can simply pick one,” Vir pauses briefly, “but I think this very moment. I’m co- going back home on a cloud.” And there you have it – Vir Das has formally threatened
directing my first movie. It’s the most difficult thing I’ve ever done in my career. I’m you with a good time, so don’t miss out!
also starring in it and co-producing it. I’ve never taken a leap like this before. Imagine,
I have a crew of about 100 people who are backing me up and believe in me. Whether
this is good or bad, they’re all in. I never got the chance to enjoy this much support VIR DAS: MIND FOOL TOUR
from young and enthusiastic people on a day-to-day basis. I think I’ll write an ode
based on this process at some point for the stage.” 19 MAY 2024 For more information and to buy
tickets, visit:
KBank Siam Pic-Ganesha Theatre livenationtero.co.th
MASAL A LITE ISSUE 161 - MAY 2024