Comedian Vir Das discusses his unique journey in stand-up, his new Netflix special “Fool Volume,” and how his “outsider” status shapes his global appeal.
Bringing “Fool Volume” to Life
Vir Das’s latest Netflix special, “Fool Volume,” is a groundbreaking project shot across three distinct locations: a stadium in Mumbai, a church in London, and an underground cellar in New York. This multi-setting approach gives the special a cinematic feel, almost like a documentary.
In an unexpected turn, Das lost his voice just days before the Mumbai shoot. He had to rewrite the entire show mentally in silence, leading to an unrehearsed yet raw energy for the first leg of filming. The London segment focuses on global themes like racism, while New York offers a more intimate, truthful “talking head” perspective on the prior performances.
Connecting with Diverse Audiences
Das notes that audiences in Mumbai, London, and New York are surprisingly similar in their core responses to comedy. While he sometimes explains Indian nuances to international viewers, Indian audiences are patient and keen to see how he navigates these cultural bridges.
He believes that humor rooted in the comedian being the “loser” is universally relatable. This perspective helps him connect whether he’s performing for a largely Indian crowd or a mixed international audience.
A Different Path: The “Outsider” Comic
Vir Das acknowledges his unique position in Indian comedy compared to giants like Zakir Khan or Kapil Sharma. He describes Zakir Khan as “steeped in poetry” and Kapil Sharma as the “Punjabi everyman,” both deeply rooted in specific Indian experiences.
Das, however, sees himself as being “from nowhere,” having grown up globally. This “outsider” perspective prevents him from attempting to emulate others’ styles, ensuring his comedy remains authentic to his own lived experiences.
Comedic Bonds and Evolution
Despite their different approaches, Indian comedians largely support each other. Das views watching others perform, like Zakir Khan or even younger comedians at Edinburgh Fringe, as a motivation to improve his own craft. He shares that comedians often WhatsApp each other, providing feedback and camaraderie.
Das humbly corrects the notion that he founded the Indian comedy scene, crediting pioneers like Johnny Lever and Boman Irani. For him, the real reward isn’t credit, but the audience’s laughter.
Bridging Worlds Through Humor
Having worked with Aamir Khan Productions on diverse projects like the adult comedy “Delhi Belly” and the upcoming “Sitaare Zameen Par,” Das believes there’s a growing appetite for varied humor. He praises Aamir Khan for empowering neurodivergent actors in “Sitaare Zameen Par,” giving power to those traditionally marginalized in comedy.
He observes a beautiful trend in India where cultural boundaries are blurring, with English-speakers enjoying Diljit Dosanjh and Hindi-speakers attending Coldplay concerts. Das hopes this signifies a closer union between the “two Indias.”
The Strength of the “Outsider”
Being an outsider offers a unique vantage point, according to Das. He feels more freedom to comment on America than an American comic, who might be constrained by ideological silos. His perspective as someone not raised in India, yet deeply connected to it, fuels his desire to take Indian stories and humor to a global stage.
He views his audience as a discerning group that appreciates his work but doesn’t idolize him, preferring genuine connection over fandom. This allows for open feedback and creative freedom.
- Vir Das’s new Netflix special, “Fool Volume,” was filmed across Mumbai, London, and New York, offering a unique, cinematic experience.
- He believes his “outsider” upbringing, different from other Indian comics, allows him to create universally relatable content.
- Das emphasizes mutual support among comedians and the evolving, diverse landscape of Indian entertainment.
- He prefers to have an “audience” over a “fanbase,” fostering a relationship based on appreciation rather than idolization.
Catch Vir Das: Fool Volume, streaming globally on Netflix from July 18.