What inspires your comedic style and material?
I think one of the most impactful comedians for me was Jerry Seinfeld. I was in fifth standard and I remember coming back from school in Bangalore and watching 'Seinfeld' and 'Whose Line Is It Anyway,' on Star World. I couldn't believe a Jewish man in New York in his 40s was as relatable to me as a kid. So I realised the power of simple observational jokes. That's my style, which is observation with a hint of absurdity. I also love the improvised side of it, where stand-up is such a heavily written and practiced art form. But I also love to break it and do some stuff on the spot, which I do with my music and my comedy.
Comedy often reflects societal issues. Do you use your platform to address any specific social or cultural topics?
Yes, definitely. I think the irony is that a climate change activist or a social change activist has 100 followers, while anybody who's entertaining, such as a comedian, dancer, or actor, has millions and millions of followers. So that's the hypocrisy of human beings they want everything in an entertaining package. I do slip in some social causes, but I feel it's kind of patronising. It's interesting that people's expectation is for entertainers to raise awareness because there are so many social activists who should be heard.
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your stand-up shows?
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