Clown Atlas is a stand-up show about happiness, sort of. We fired over a Q&A to get more info.
Hi Hari, tell me about your show.
My last show, Like Breath on a Mirror, was about mankind’s quest for immortality. I wanted to tackle something a little more light-hearted this time, so Clown Atlasis about our struggle for happiness and the meaning of life. It’s also my first-ever hour-long show, which I’m pretty excited/terrified about.
What does Edinburgh mean to you?
I think it means the same as it does to everyone else: ‘the capital city of Scotland and one of its 32 council areas’. (Source: Wikipedia)
Who inspires you and why?
Walt Disney! He’s my personal hero. Even if you don’t enjoy Disney films, you can’t deny the sheer scale of his ambition and accomplishments.
Describe your best or worst experiences on stage.
My worst-ever gig was a 15-minute set in Glasgow, where I performed to complete silence for twelve whole minutes. I finally got a response in the thirteenth minute — when a drunk woman in the front row felt so sorry for how I was doing that she burst into tears. Which is kinda the opposite effect to what I’m going for as a comedian.
Describe your best or worst review.
I used to do a bit about The Big Bang Theory, which inspired one reviewer to write: ‘the more I look at Hari, the more I notice an extraordinary resemblance to Raj Koothrappali, one of the show’s main characters.’ Thanks, man.
If you weren’t a performer, what would you be?
Sad.
What was the last book you read?
Solve for Happyby Mo Gawdat, which I read as research for the show. It’s really good.
If you could ask yourself any question in the world, what would it be?
If you could ask yourself any question in the world, what would it be?
Imagine that the BBC have asked you to produce a primetime show. What would it be, and who else would be involved?
Oh, definitely a UK version of Saturday Night Live.It wouldn’t involve me, because I don’t have the skills to write or perform sketch comedy. But I’d really like to watch it!
