Page 27 - MASALA LITE ISSUE 84 | SEPTEMBER2017

Zakir performing at his most recent show in Bangkok, held at The Westin Grande
Sukhumvit.

and I went for it. Thankfully, I didn’t disappoint the audience. They got what they were
expecting from a line-up as huge as that.

Where will people see Zakir Khan five years from now?
Five years is a long way to go for me, as I focus on the present. Uncertainty is
inevitable, so I’d like to be in the present and give it my most. Try asking me this
question five years from now, and let’s see how the answer changes.

What keeps you so down to earth? And is the sakht launda persona that you
speak of real?
I come from a house full of talented and well-respected artists. And I’ve grown up
in an environment where we respect and appreciate an artist and his art form. It is
obvious, but if I reflect, I think that keeps me grounded. And as far as sakht launda
persona is concerned, I’d say “Hmm… accha.. theek hai.”

Tell us about your best and worst experiences with audiences.
Every experience with the audience so far has been surreal and heartwarming.
Fortunately, there has never been an extreme situation with an audience, but a few
hecklers here and there during the show is to be expected. Truthfully, the best has
always exceeded the worst, and I hope it stays that way.
You perform most of your sets in Hindi while the new wave of YouTube
comedians mostly present in English. Any particular reason why?
It’s just a matter of comfort.

Any message for aspiring stand-up comedians?
Do your thing and don’t second guess your move. You’ll know in time if it’s meant for
you or not.

The crowd at Zakir’s stand up comedy show.

ALL- A C CESS INT O B ANGK OK ’ S C ONTEMP OR AR Y INDIAN LIFEST YLE