Russell Peters
Tell us about your latest show, Deported World Tour
Fans tell me that this has been my best show in many years. I worked really hard on this set. It is more self-deprecating and introspective than the others.
What is your best memory of India?
I was 11 years old, and my father put my brother and me in a train from Burhanpur to Kolkata. We were going to meet my mom in Kolkata. Neither my brother nor I spoke Hindi, and we were in that train for two days. It is a great memory, and I remember it clearly.
How important is it for a comedian to be politically correct in these sensitive times?
Comedians are not supposed to be politically correct. We are the truth-sayers. Being politically correct means not saying certain things, even if they are true, because someone might be offended. I have no intent to offend. If you are offended, that is on you, not me. But I do draw the line at religion. I am not religious, but people are prepared to die for their faith.
Are Indians easy to please?
I know that there was a mixed reaction to The Indian Detective (his Canadian comedy series) in India. But the show itself was never made specifically for India. In fact, it is a very Canadian show, and that is the market that I had in mind. A lot of people loved the show around the world, and it was the highest rated Canadian series of 2017.
What do you think of the Indian standup comedy scene?
I am excited to get familiar with the newer Indian comics. My hope is that the up-and-coming comics are a group of actual funny people and not just smart ones who know how to write well and then just read it off. Being a good, natural standup is different from being a good, funny writer or comedic actor.
A couple of years ago, Sunny Leone said that she regretted dating you. Would you say the same? What is your equation with her now?
I don’t regret anything in my life. Everything happens for a reason. I know that she is doing well and has a family. I could not be happier for her.
Peters will be performing in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai as part of his Deported World Tour on May 29, 31, June 2 and 3.