JOIN USVir Das needs no introduction. He has tickled your funny bones over the years and continues to do so with his comic way of putting information across.
In a recent visit to the city, Vir performed his internet phenomenon show ‘Potcast’ at Good Shepherd auditorium. Each of his unique videos, based on the idea of reading news fresh off the toilet seat, received over two million views.
He spoke to Anila Kurian about the show and how ice cream is always his priority.
Tell us about your idea of the ‘Potcast’.
Being inside a bathroom brings out the flow of creativity. I am an old school person who prefers to read a newspaper than reading news on an app. Once, with an iPhone tripod set up, I read the news to my audience. It was an instant hit and here we are now. It is also awesome that many people watch these when they are in the bathroom; you get to learn a few things!
What did you speak about at the school?
We spoke about everything from leadership to demonetisation, Donald Trump being the president, Harry Potter reading in school, space programme...the list just goes on.
When you make a political joke, where do you draw the line?
I consider myself a democratic citizen, an apolitical human and patriotically intelligent person. I write jokes according to my own moral compass and my audience relates to it. I don’t support any political party. I believe it is the duty of the citizens to question the government and that’s exactly what I do with my content.
Projects apart from standup comedy?
I’m doing a couple of other tours for now. I’m finally taking a vacation for Christmas and New Year. I’m excited to head to Goa soon.
Any upcoming movies we can look forward to?
I have three releases lined up for next year. I’m not allowed to talk about two, but the third one is called ‘Khanna Patel’ with Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal.
An actor that you enjoyed working with.
I’ve loved working with everyone. But Imran Khan, Kunaal Roy Kapoor and I had a lot of fun in ‘Delhi Belly’. We’ve become good friends since.
An actor you’d like to work with.
Halle Berry for obvious reasons. In Bollywood, Deepika Padukone is good.
What do you enjoy more — being a standup comedian or an actor?
I enjoy eating ice cream the most. Everything else I do has equal importance. Ice cream tops the chart.
A must-do when you’re in Bengaluru.
I always go to Sunny’s when I come here.
Any place you’ve been to that you found bizarre.
I think Bengaluru is quite bizarre. I don’t know why you wouldn’t have the airport in the city; it’s in Hyderabad! And ‘Potcast’ is also weird — a show in which we will sit on the toilet and read news.
An interesting piece of information you learnt recently.
The introduction of Harry Potter, Tin Tin and Asterix in schools is a big thing. I also learnt that I have very little money in my ATM card, bank or anywhere else.
A rumour you’d like to spread about yourself.
That I am 6”4.
Three random things that we don’t know about you.
At the age of 30, I decided to learn how to play the drums. I have a bulldog named Dr Watson; I am a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes. Unlike other comedians, I am a morning person. I go to bed at 10 pm and wake up at 6.
Your favourite midnight snack.
When and if I am awake, I would love to get some cereal; ‘Cheerios’, to be specific.