I Want to be One of Those Comics People Quote Years After I've Hung Up My Boots: Varun Thakur

Varun Thakur is a renowned Indian stand-up comedian celebrated for his effortless ability to tickle the funny bone. With a unique talent for injecting humor into everyday life and current events, he has captivated audiences around the world. Best known for his alter ego, the struggling actor Vicky Malhotra, Thakur has made a significant mark in the world of comedy. His wit and relatable humor have earned him a dedicated fan base, and his performances continue to resonate with people from all walks of life.

In this exclusive conversation, he discusses his show 'Space Cadet', sheds light on his alter ego Vicky Malhotra, and offers insights into his comedic journey.

You've been touring for your show, 'Space Cadet' all over, can you tell us more about the show?

I got married recently, which in a comedian speak means an hour of new material. Space Cadet is a show about that and other hilarious anecdotes from my life. It also has a whole bunch of jokes I'd written and forgotten because I'm such a space cadet.

As an Indian comedian, how do you work through the fine line between humour and cultural sensitivity when performing for diverse audiences?

I believe a funny joke transcends cultures. Indian audiences have matured and as have the comedians. Adding a local flavour with premises and relatable references helps you connect more with different audiences. Also, when in doubt use self-deprecating jokes. Nothing unites diverse audiences like you making fun of yourself.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Varun Thakur (@varunthakur)

Stand-up comedy often involves sharing bad personal experiences and vulnerabilities. Have there been any moments in your career where you've felt particularly vulnerable on stage?

Thankfully, I've not yet felt vulnerable with sharing bad personal experiences. In fact, the bad experiences get processed better when I turn it into a set.

Many people find your alter ego, Vicky Malhotra, hilarious and relatable. How did you develop this character, and what inspired you to create him?

Back in 2015, I was feeling a little saturated. I wanted to do something other than just stand up and sketches. I've always been good at characters and voices and thought of creating Vicky from my personal experiences of meeting struggling actors at auditions. The character was an instant hit and helped me get the push in my career. The biggest Vicky fans have been women because they've all come across a ‘Vicky' in their life and got the satire behind it. There were times when people wanted to see Vicky more than Varun.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Varun Thakur (@varunthakur)

You left SnG Comedy in 2019. Can you share some insights into that decision and how it has impacted your career as a solo comedian?

I think it was the right time to focus on my career at that point. It gave me more time to focus on my varied interests across acting, writing, hosting, and podcasting. Even though we're not SnG anymore, Kautuk (Srivastava), Neville (Shah), Aadar (Malik), and I still do a super successful podcast together called 'The Internet Said So.'

Many artists have shared that today social media numbers play a huge role in getting a project and people give preference to that which is disheartening for some, what's your take on this? What's your thought on this?

Wouldn't you pick someone with better numbers? I know I would. And yes I've faced this too on a bunch of occasions. Then again the people who have numbers, have them because they've put in their time and hard work. I would take something like that happening to me more as a challenge to myself to do better than as something to get disheartened by. When you focus on doing what you believe in and like, the numbers will follow.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Varun Thakur (@varunthakur)

With your extensive touring experience, do you have any memorable or funny anecdotes from performing in different countries or cultures that you'd like to share?

I was visiting the US for the first time in 2017. I remember going to watch a Seinfeld show while in New York. Post that show, a whole bunch of us ran behind Seinfeld to get a picture but unfortunately, he left. While I stood dejected, I saw 4 guys running towards us. To my surprise, they weren't running for Seinfeld but to get a picture with me. To be out and recognized in another continent felt super cool. It was right then that I called my manager and told him we should be touring outside India too. We were back in the US the next year on a 15-city tour.

Stand-up comedy can be a tough and demanding profession, how do you push yourself on those not-so-good days? What motivates and inspires you to keep pushing boundaries and honing your craft, even during challenging times?

Ups and downs are a part of every artist's life. It's what makes the journey fun. My hack to maintain my mental peace has always been to never get too excited or complacent when things are going well and never get too bogged down when things are bad. Nothing is permanent. I surround myself with happy positive people, continue putting in the work and effort and know that what's meant to come my way, will. My tonic to keep myself happy is to always hit the stage. Nothing pumps up the serotonin-like a good show. More importantly, I want to be one of those comics people quote years after I've hung up my boots.

Do you get that nervous jittery before your performance since the time you've started? What's that one thing you never fail to do before getting on that stage?

The jitters before the show make what I do feel worthwhile. It keeps things exciting and you on your toes. The day it starts feeling easy is the day I'll lose the joy of doing comedy.

What is the best advice you've ever been given about comedy?

The best advice I've been given which I continue to pass on to whoever asks me for advice has been to just have fun on stage. If you're not having fun, the audience is not going to.

If the 16-year-old Varun saw you today, what would he say to you? Or what would you say to him?

I think 16 years Varun would say well done to me because I'm close to where I thought I'd be and doing what I love. What I would say to 16-year-old Varun is to buy Adani's shares.

As an artist who has had the opportunity to perform both in India and abroad, how would you describe the contrasting dynamics and experiences of performing in these different settings?

The experiences in both places have been fantastic. Outside India, we're largely playing to the diaspora. It's amazing to see them come out in such numbers. I feel Indians abroad give you that added laughter because you remind them of all the things they miss from back home.

What's your message to aspiring stand-up comedians?

Just have fun and give it time. Don't expect instant results. You're going to bomb a few times before you finally explode.