'It's a matter of taste for me'

Greg Proops doesn't really need an introduction. He has been an actor, standup comedian and television show regular in the UK and the US for over two decades now. His  jokes have been making people across the world laugh and he's ready to make more people laugh for the first time in Bengaluru.  

Popularly known for working on the show 'Whose Line Is It Anyway', Greg, along with comedian Jeff Davis, is all set to tickle some funny bones on December 16 at Manpho. The event is titled 'Black Dog Easy Evenings'.  

He  spoke to Anila Kurian about how he's looking forward to entertaining the  audience.  

Are you having a good time exploring Bengaluru?  

Yes! We've been here for two days now and we're having a great time. There's a lot more we'd like to see; hopefully time will permit us to do just that.

You have names like 'The Proopster' and 'The Proopdog'. Is there a name you'd like people to call you by?

I do have a podcast called 'The Smartest Man in the World'. I think I'm good with that, especially because it's not true.  

The world of podcasts is slowly being introduced in India.  Which ones do you recommend people should listen to?  

Mine, of course! It's unbelievably amusing (laughs).

How do you think comedy has changed over the years?  

It's definitely become better because you see a lot more women and coloured people performing now. It's great that a lot more people  are given the opportunity now.  

Do you think that the content has become more about insults than humour?  

It's the matter of taste for me. I wouldn't punch anyone down. Having said that, if you are someone who has a powerful avenue to defend, you become the easier target of content. I wouldn't make jokes about poor people because I know they don't have a voice.

What are some of the topics you will never talk about?

I don't like sexist and racist humour. I really don't think it's funny; there are millions of other things one can make fun of about instead.  

How welcoming are  international stages for Indian comedians?

As open as people are ready to go over and do it. But I think London is a good place for international comedians because English is the dominant comedy language. People are a lot more open there. Having said that, America has been seeing a lot of Indian comedians lately. But I must say, with showbiz not being what it used to be, they are forced to promote more women and people of colour on television.  

Which is your favourite place to perform?  

Paris. It's absolutely beautiful and after the show, well, you're in Paris!

What about the show part?  

Who cares! You're in Paris (laughs)!

What can we expect from the show this weekend?  

Lots of cheers, regret, shame and then we go on stage (laughs). There will be a lot of audience interaction too which  one can look forward to.