Page 18 - Masala Lite Issue 165 September 2024

18
FUNNY
IN FOCUS

BUSINESS

Living, laughing,

and loving with comedy
icon Kumar.

BY GRACE CLARKE

umour is like a fine drink; everyone has their
own taste: some prefer it aged in the barrel
of subtle storytelling, while others enjoy it
served in a slapstick mug, overflowing with campy
jokes and kitschy quips. Then, there are those who
like their humour shaken, not stirred, shared among a
close-knit crew. But no matter your flavour, we all love
a good laugh; some of us just crave it like a cheeky nightcap at the end of a long day. What can we expect from your tour?

Humour, much like any art form, evolves with its audience, adapting to the ever- Expect a rich blend of musical influences
changing tastes and sensibilities of the times. Creating humour that appeals to a from the 80s and 90s, eras when music truly
wide audience is not an easy task. It requires a careful mix of timing, tact, and thrill. thrived. My show is designed to evoke nostalgia
After all, humour might be personal, but when done right, it’s a language we all for the older generations, while introducing
understand, whether we’re laughing at a highbrow jest or a lowbrow pratfall. To fresh perspectives for Gen Z and Alpha. It’s a
delve into the artful craftsmanship of humour, Masala spoke to the multifaceted journey that bridges past and present, helping
comedic icon Kumarason Chinnadurai, widely celebrated by his stage name and younger audiences understand and appreciate
nickname, Kumar. As he brings his “Beats, Rhymes, & Punchlines” tour to Bangkok the times of their parents. By the end, I hope
on 28 September at the Amari Bangkok, in collaboration with LOL Asia, Kumar’s everyone takes away a sense of calm and a
performance is highly anticipated. Of South Indian heritage and raised in Singapore, deeper appreciation for those dearest to us,
Kumar is a rare talent - like capturing lightning in a bottle. His enduring appeal in like our families.

the comedy world can be attributed to his sharp wit, cultural insight, gender-defying Let’s discuss your biography, ‘Kumar: From
persona, and undeniable charisma. In an exclusive conversation, we explore Kumar’s Rags to Drag’, which was released in 2011. In
comedic realm, delving into his life, family, and identity. Through his distinctive it, you were very open about your identity
lens, Kumar reveals the delicate artistry required to create humour that resonates during a period when societal views were
universally while remaining steadfastly authentic. beginning to shift away from traditional
heteronormative perspectives. What was the process like for you as a public
How was your experience growing up with influences from two different cultures? figure coming out so openly?
My upbringing wasn’t exactly multicultural. We’re South Indians, but we’re also
Singaporean through and through. The culture at home is unmistakably South Indian, In this industry, authenticity, being open and honest about who you are, is crucial. While I
yet the environment we navigate is distinctly Singaporean. The conservativeness and believe people may have already sensed my truth, I didn’t write my book to make a coming-
values differ greatly; in India, there are more rules and stricter expectations, while out statement. Instead, it’s a tribute to my twenty years in Singapore’s entertainment
in Singapore, we’re embraced as part of the local fabric, which comes with a more scene, and naturally, my truth is part of that narrative. Accepting yourself is the first step;
relaxed approach to traditions. only then can you expect others to embrace you.

What initially brought you into the entertainment sector? Starting off, did you experience any pushback from the industry, or the people

around you?
I’ve always believed there’s a higher power guiding each person’s path. Wherever
you find yourself, that’s exactly where you’re meant to be. For me, stepping into the Naturally, I faced some losses along the way – friends distanced themselves, and my
entertainment sector felt like a natural alignment with that calling. Honestly, I think family was initially opposed. But I was determined to pursue a career that felt authentic
I was just fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. to me. I couldn’t expect everyone to immediately support my path, especially given the
unconventional angle I chose. However, times and perspectives evolve, and it’s important
You’ve been involved in entertainment across comedy, television, and film. to embrace change and continue growing. Life is a constant journey of learning, and each
Have you observed any differences between these mediums, and how have your day brings new lessons.
experiences varied between them?
What is your writing process for shows, and where do you find your inspiration?

Each medium offers its own unique experience. Television gives you the luxury of retakes,
allowing you to craft your performance to near-perfection during production. In I take pride in my keen observation skills, which help me stay natural and authentic in
contrast, theatre is all about the moment – if you make a mistake, you must improvise my performances, aided by my fantastic team. For inspiration, I often look at how people
on the spot, which brings a certain candidness and rawness to the performance. On interact in public. For instance, I notice couples dining out, sitting across from each other,
stage, there’s a greater artistic value; you have more freedom to be expressive and engrossed in their mobile phones rather than engaging with each other. This often sparks
truly embody the character in real-time. laughter among the audience, who recognise themselves in these moments of disconnection.

Drag has played a significant role in your career. How did you first get introduced Given the shifting dynamics in modern times, humour can sometimes get lost.
to the world of drag? As a professional in the field of humour, what’s your perspective on how people
can cultivate and appreciate laughter in their lives?
When I was young, I used to dress up in my mother’s saris when she wasn’t around. I
felt that this would be a fun aspect to add to the stage – why not turn a hobby into a One silver lining of the changing times is that AI can’t quite replicate the art of telling
career, and turn an art form that was once seen as taboo to something empowering? a joke, something I’m grateful for. The human touch in comedy is irreplaceable. Relying
Especially before, seeing someone out in drag would turn heads, prompting questions too much on AI can lead to a loss of genuine connection. Stand-up comedy, in particular,
on identity and gender. So, I decided, why not perform in it? I wanted to make a is an experience best enjoyed live. It’s even supported by medical research: just fifteen
statement and gain the audience’s attention regardless of what they thought. It worked. minutes of laughter a day can lower the risk of heart failure, highlighting its benefits for
both mental and physical health.
Many people worry that turning their hobbies into careers might diminish their
enjoyment of them. How was that transition for you? Do you have any advice for individuals in the community who want to enter

the entertainment industry, particularly on how to stay true to their identities
For me, dressing up was more than just a performance – it was a vital part of my while pursuing their careers?
personal expression and mental wellbeing. Looking good often translates to feeling
good, and I believe that’s crucial for mental health. I’ve never regretted embracing Many people today struggle with being true to themselves due to the fear of diverging
this aspect of my career; it has been incredibly beneficial and has brought me to from the crowd. This pressure often leads to a loss of individualism and personal identity.
where I am today, feeling truly lucky and blessed. It’s important to stop comparing yourself to others and setting materialistic goals, like
owning the best cars, moving out early, or travelling extensively. When these aspirations
In your own words, how would you describe your comedic style? aren’t met, it can lead to disappointment, or even depression. Instead, people should focus
Raunchy. Daring. Untamed. on relaxing, trusting the process, and being comfortable with who they are. Embrace your
true self, live for yourself, and find joy in your own uniqueness.