V.K. SANTOSH KUMAR
Kumar’s usual brand of comedy is ideal for his jigs in nightclubs: Local, risque and even a little crude.
He also likes to appear on stage as a drag queen, delivering his jokes in a killer gown and stiletto heels.
But the veteran Singaporean entertainer will appear in a different avatar for the first time on Nov 24.
He will don traditional Indian attire for his set during The Great Indian Mix – Kumar Spills The Tea, a show commissioned by The Espalande Co for its Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts 2023, which begins today.
The show will examine the Indian identity, shining the spotlight on Indian people’s tradition and idiosyncrasies, whether they be from North or South India, revealed the comedian.
It will look at the quirks, complexities and differences – from family dynamics, wedding extravaganzas, superstitions and festive frenzies to the age-old tussle between traditional values and modern aspirations.
“It will be no holds barred,” said Kumar. “Indians are basically the same, they have the same lifestyle whether they are from the north or south. But there are differences when it comes to the food and the weddings. My intention is to help the two groups understand each other better through my observations and comments.”
The 90-minute stand-up comedy has been scripted by Sharul Channa, one of the few full-time stand-up comediennes in Singapore.
Actor Vadi PVSS and screenwriter Jaya Rathakrishnan have advised her on the South Indian content.
“I am North Indian, so I know all about their traditions,” said Sharul, 36. “Kumar is South Indian, so he has a grip on their culture. Together we have tried to cover as much as possible about the Indian community and their habits.”
She gives an example of an incident that Kumar will narrate – of landing in a condominium where he sees women with dishevelled hair, carrying candles and wearing red.
“He gets scared. He thinks Hungry Ghost Festival is done. Later, he realises it’s something North Indians celebrate, a festival called Karva Chauth, celebrated by Hindu women in Northern and Western India where they observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and longevity of their husbands.”
This is not the first time Channa and Kumar are collaborating.
Kalaa Utsavam producer David Pandarakannu said the idea to pair the two came after he saw 2018’s one-woman play Disco Sheela And Other Indian Superwomen, in which Channa was directed by Kumar.
That show convinced him that the two were “a perfect match”.
“I have known Kumar for nine years, and we are good friends,” said Sharul. “He directed me in Disco Sheila, where I did five character monologues. So, it is only apt that I am scripting for him this time.”
The Esplanade believes that having Kumar at the festival will also attract people from outside the Indian community.
“He has that reach and the content is crafted in a way that is informative,” said Pandarakannu.
Kumar believes his show will educate other communities like the Chinese and Malays about Indian customs and behaviour.
“There will be a lot of relatable stuff which the audience will understand,” he said. “Come with an open mind, be happy and enjoy a good laugh.
“If people get offended, it’s their problem.”
Sharul said the show is a bit risque, but they are aware of the sensitivities. “We haven’t overstepped the line,” she said.
“Anyway, Kumar is well respected. (To some degree) he has the liberty to say anything, and people will accept it without complaining.”
