Stand-up Comedy has changed the way India laughs in these 3 years. New talent, new jokes, new ENTERTAINMENT. We thought why should we be left behind. What does it really take for a Stand-up comedian to perform and make tons of people roll with chuckles with his jokes and how does FOOD play such a great part in it… Puzzled? Gotcha!
Presenting Ladies and Gentleman, Neville Shah. He is half Parsi-half Gujju. If that wasn’t good enough, he is from a boarding school, majored in Physics and works in advertising. It’s his experiences with life that make you laugh. His wit, conversational delivery and honest angst, makes his humour relatable and sometimes oddly poignant. Often deprecating he’d like you to know that he is from Mumbai, but works in Delhi. Why? Exactly. Lets find out with a peppy conversation with the man himself
1. From what age did the weird and funny side of life strike and inspire you?
Well, I think as early as an infant. My mom tells me my granddad once tried to change my diaper and as soon as he opened it, I peed in his direction. Slapstick, but funny.
2. Stand up Comedy. Define it for us.
There isn’t really a definition. It’s more like a guideline. I think the only mandate has got to be being funny. Everything else comes after. It doesn’t matter what you say or how you say it. You have to make them laugh. That’s why you have an audience. That’s why they’re paying you more than dinner (sometimes). Make the audience feel like they know. Make them understand your story. Don’t try to be esoteric. Don’t TRY. Tell them about life. Your life. Their life. Life around us. Anything.
3. Lets compare your most loved food items to one liners. Shall we?
Mutton, Dhansak and Kebab – The ultimate threesome. But really mostly anything that lived, is yummy. Past tense is key.
4. Your best dining places in India.
There’s a lot of places to name. Top of my head – so I may miss out the older ones.
In Mumbai almost everything is super. From the vada pav at Dadar station to Bade’s (now too crowded). I love the Crab Bisque at the Hyatt. The brunch at the Westin. The sandwich outside Jai Hind (when I studied there) and the steak at The Tasting Room (Good Earth). Rolls at Hangla and Biryani from Calcutta Club. There’s Sneha at Mahim for Mallu Food. But anything is awesome in Mumbai.
Bangalore – Nagarjuna. Grasshopper.
Hyderabad – Paradise.
Chennai – Sorry, we’re talking about good food.
5. Diet is a fad. Your views.
Of course, it’s a fad. My dream is to rest an ice-cream tub on my belly and watch TV.
6. Do you do House parties. If yes, then what are the do’s and don’ts of it?
I have done a few house parties. The pressure at a house party is immense, since, you’re in someone’s living room or at a bar that’s rented out and everyone knows everyone. They’ll laugh together or boo together. You must be careful of your heckler take-downs because you’re in their house. You can’t offend anyone to that point. And don’t overdo the booze, before you go up – they have to drunk, not you.
7. Your next shows.
Well, am at The Comedy Store in November. A few private gigs around then too. But till then mostly open-mics in Delhi. But follow me on twitter, I keep plugging there along with some other random sporadic bursts @craziebawa
8. How does an idea to joke about something germinate? Is it spontaneous or years of practice ; )
Seriously, there is no real method to it. A joke comes from anywhere. Anything can be made funny. It’s how you do it that’s important. It’s about how much into no man’s land can you go, before you’re shot (Read: Booed). Practice just makes you better and quicker on your feet.
9. Your best Daaru brands.
I do occasionally enjoy a good single malt. Except for the times I crave beer. But yeah, I’ve quit drinking. 
10. A few words to our foodees.
Don’t dismiss vegetarians, embrace them. They’re leave more food for us.
Need we say more. Waiting for your upcoming shows Neville. Three cheers!
Happy eating folks!
