Stand-up Russell Peters performing in city today

The Canadian doesn’t shy away from risky topics, and is thrilled he is so immature even after 30 years in the business

Russell Peters is easily the biggest comic the world has ever seen. His style of comedy is to tackle topics on race and immigration from a South Asian point of view. With his impersonations of a Chinese, Arab, Nigerian and Indian, the Canadian star became a worldwide session after his video went viral on YouTube.

And now, busy with ‘The Russell Peters Deported World Tour’, as part Supermoon by Zee Live, the global comedy star will be performing at White Orchid Convention Centre on May 29. He took some time off and spoke to Anila Kurian about the world tour and more.

So, are you excited to turn 50 soon?

Well, it’s definitely scary and your body does start to break down. But I’m happy that my mind is still highly immature, so it’s perfect.

How long are you in Bengaluru for?

Not too long. I kick off the show here and then have my other two shows in Delhi and Mumbai. This time, I’m here strictly for business.

Do you like our city though?

I mean, yes. I have family here. But for me, Bengaluru is not a place that has historical significance like the others. Mumbai is a big city and Delhi has Taj Mahal closer to it. Bengaluru is like the brains of the other. It’s where all the internet stuff comes from.

What do you think it’s going to be like performing in the country after so long? Do you think the comic scene has changed?

I’ll find out soon. To me, India is always growing. I feel that it’s harder on the NRIs when we come back because we left with the image of whatever it was whenever we left. And I was born in Canada, so my memories of the country are of when I came here as a little kid in the 70s. I’ve watched it change over the years. It’s definitely progressive now and not at all what people in the western world think it is.

Is the misconception of ‘India is not a great country’ still believed across the globe?

Definitely. People think that Indians are backward. I correct them every chance I get and let them know that it’s not the place they think it is. In America, they get only selective news. It’ll either be about the rapes or something politically related. And that’s the perspective they have.

So what’s the change here that surprised you the most?

It’s becoming more liberal which is great. People are becoming freer. Having said that, it may or may not be the case because Mumbai is a major city and people are bound to be more progressive.

When it comes to your act, are there certain topics you try to avoid?

Everybody keeps asking me about politics and I know nothing about it! I stay out of it because it’s not my world. I also don’t talk about religion because it’s very personal to people. I let them do what they got to do.

And do you think that over the years the audience have become sensitive and you need to create content that doesn’t offend them?

No, I don’t think I need to be sensitive to people who are faking sensitivity. That’s the problem, it’s not real insensitivity anymore. It’s a fake outrage and I won’t be a party to it. I’m going to do me and if you choose to get offended by me, I can’t help it. I don’t necessarily believe that people are offended by me because they choose to but because it feels that the way they think is forward. Honestly, there is no way these many people can be outraged.

According to you, what are people usually so offended by?

I mean, who knows! Some people get offended if you just drink a bottle of water. They go from “you’re drinking out of a plastic bottle” to “you hate the Earth”. There’s no winning here!

So, you don’t think that other comics should also mind offending the audience?

No, it’s the last thing they should worry about. Your job as a comic is to make people laugh. If they don’t understand that, it’s their problem, not ours.

Are you planning a vacation after the tour?

I’m not sure when it ends. But it’s a good problem to have. I have actually never taken a vacation in my life; I never felt the need for it. I mean, look at my life. I work for an hour and a half every night. The rest of the day is pretty much a vacation for me. But a true vacation is to stay at home and do nothing.

And when was the last time you did that?

Yea, I don’t do that either (laughs).