Not long ago, stand-up comedian Vir Das “reappeared” in the Capital after five years to give a performance called ‘Walking on Broken Das,’ at Hotel Taj Palace’s Shahjahan Hall. “It’s the hall where I began my career,” says the 30-year-old Vir, on a note of nostalgia. The show also featured Alien Chutney, Nassar Davis, Ravi Darsan and Sara Samadhan, members of Vir’s company who pep up audiences before Vir enters the stage.
Born and brought up in Delhi, Vir speaks so fast, that it’s hard sometimes to even make sense of what he says. In fact, you might have missed one of his cheeky innuendoes. So why does this alumnus of Delhi University’s Venkateswara College thrive on jokes that must surely embarrass the family audiences at his shows?
What’s embarrassing?
“Embarrass?” he laughs, “Don’t those who come to my shows go to bed every night and have private moments? Let me tell you that my audiences love my shows, else they wouldn’t be be packed! I manage to do ‘all that’ with intelligence. And my audiences are no less intelligent. Those who call my show ‘embarrassing’ are the same who admire the erotic images in Khajuraho, but stealthily!”
Vir is incredibly energetic and active on the stage. He screams, jives, makes funny faces, mocks at the audience, yet manages applause. He doesn’t falter even when switching topics wildly. He has mastered the art of “blabbering” as he puts it. And of course, he does not shy away from dialogues bordering on the ribald.
He divulges the secret. “The success of the show depends on the first few minutes. If you are able to capture their attention for the first three to five minutes, you are bound to have a roaring show.”
Describing himself as a “student who failed in everything except in English”, Vir, who studied at DPS, Noida, says he proved his worth in sports, especially basketball and tennis besides debates and elocution. “I had an attack of dyslexia after my 12th standard. So I tried to make up for my studies through extra-curricular activities,” he says, adding, “Theatre was the only option left which didn’t need in-depth reading, cramming and putting it back on the exam papers!”
After his graduation, Vir went to the U.S. to study theatre and be an actor. “I did loads of Shakespeare and Arthur Miller plays. It opened me up. But I chose to do comedy shows which have major audiences abroad. My shows became a hit mostly because I took up contemporary issues and mixed them up with comedy. Their catchy titles added the zing. I have been doing shows all over Europe. I come back to India almost every year and find new and old loyal audiences each time,” he says enthusiastically.
Vir has worked in some nine films in smaller roles, including Namastey London, Mumbai Salsa, Mumbai Calling, Sabhi Linein Mast Hain, etc. He was recently seen in Saif Ali Khan’s film Love Aaj Kal. “My role in the film was mercilessly edited,” he complains, adding as he has made a name as a stand-up comedian, Hindi films want to project him as a comedian only.
“I am extra choosy when it comes to films now. I will not do funny roles at all. I would rather do serious roles and ‘surprise’ the audiences.” His next film, Aamir Khan Productions’ Delhi Belly he assures us, would do the needful. “I am playing a parallel lead with Imran Khan in it,” he says beaming.
Vir doesn’t intend to do Hindi comedy on the stage. “I will never do a mass-driven comedy in Hindi,” he declares, adding, “it would be like finding a roadside dog and branding it as a German Shepherd or Alsatian.”
* * *
Names of Vir Das’ shows (2003-2009)
HAMateur Night, Weirdass, Ek Rahen Bir, Brown Men Can’t Hump, Not for Members Only, Bored of The Things!, Who Let the Das Out?, Son of a Switch!, VIRagra
His one-liners from the shows
I came back from America because they couldn’t pronounce my name – they called me ‘weird ass’
What does Obama say of swine flu?
‘Talking Bush’
What does Manmohan Singh say of Swine Flu?
“It’s BJP’s fault!’
His new venture: India’s first “humorous” rock band
The next flick: Delhi Belly
rana@thehindu.co.in
