For Amol Suri, the desire to become a comedian had always lingered in the depths of his heart. He reflects, “I’ve always wanted to be a comedian,” a dream shared by many, but one that often requires a leap of faith to pursue wholeheartedly.
That defining moment came when he visited Toronto and attended a comedy show featuring his old friend, Marito Lopez, from their post-secondary days. “Over coffee, Marito encouraged me to take the plunge into the world of comedy, igniting the spark that had been waiting to be set ablaze. It was the turning point that set him on the path to fulfilling my dream.”
With unwavering support from his parents and family, Amol embraced his newfound passion with a determination that continues to fuel his comedic endeavors.
My comedy often revolves around the captivating dynamics between Indian parents and their children
Having been born and raised in Canada, he acknowledges his “white-washed” perspective but embraces the opportunity to explore the collision of two worlds.
“With just 3.5 years in the comedy circuit, I am still discovering my comedic voice. However, I find that audiences, particularly those from Indian or South Asian backgrounds, appreciate when I playfully point out my own lack of cultural expertise. Rather than resorting to self-deprecation, I approach bridges cultural gaps through shared experiences, eliciting laughter and understanding.”
Amol has encountered cultural misconceptions that, at times, lead to amusing and enlightening conversations. One such misconception involves people suggesting that he uses an “Indian voice” on stage, as if an accent were merely an act. “These discussions usually take place offstage, affording me the chance to engage with my audience on a more personal level.”
However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “In my early days as a comedian, I faced a difficult situation when an audience member called me a terrorist during a show. Lacking the experience to handle the situation gracefully, I have since learned from such encounters and grown in composure and confidence.”
Stand-up comedy demands impeccable timing, a skill that Amol honed through relentless practice and collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of “getting on stage and grinding it out,” treating each performance as a chance to refine his craft.
In addition to solo performances, Amol regularly meets with fellow comedians over drinks or coffee to workshop their jokes, exchanging insights and feedback to elevate their comedic material. For Amol, comedy is not just a performance but a marathon of continuous growth and improvement.
While observational humor is a hallmark of great comedy, Amol’s take on cultural differences is far from “wacky.” “Instead, my comedy often revolves around the captivating dynamics between Indian parents and their children.“
Sharing personal anecdotes of revealing my ADHD diagnosis to his father, only to be advised to “pay more attention and drink more chai,” or admitting lactose intolerance to my mother, who promptly offered me milk, I uncover the charming idiosyncrasies that resonate with audiences.”
A skill that he continually works to refine, Amol has gained a reputation for dealing with hecklers with remarkable composure. While not a natural response, he finds ways to handle disruptive comments, from repeating them to buy time for a witty response, to occasionally ignoring remarks that add nothing to the show. Interestingly, some hecklers have managed to say things that genuinely amuse him, turning tense moments into shared laughter.
Looking ahead, Amol has a series of exciting shows lined up. Next month, he will take the stage at the Mardaloop Brewery on August 2, followed by performances in Lethbridge at Goodtimes Comedy club on August 11-12. His plans for the rest of the year involve relentless grinding and polishing of new material, aiming to tighten up his current set and introduce fresh, side-splitting content. With all his shows promoted on his Instagram (@amolsuricomedy), fans eagerly await the next round of laughter.
