Vir Das' volteface; abruptly pulls out of performing arts festival, leaves organisers fuming

Since the last few months, funny man and actor Vir Das has travelled across the US, UK, Canada and South Africa, and has performed over a hundred shows. His last one was scheduled to be at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, but the comedian decided to do a no-show at the last minute. The reason being, Vir returned to Mumbai to promote his upcoming film, 31st October. This has left the organisers furious. 

“Vir cancelled the Fringe gig after the tickets had been sold out. His film’s producers made sure that he returns before the trailer launch. Since he is bound by a legal contract, he had to do it whether he liked it or not. Obviously, the organisers are disappointed, but his talent team is trying to make amends,” a source told a tabloid.

The organisers of Fringe had to refund people who bought tickets for the show, keeping in mind the standard procedure, a spokesperson for Fringe said. “Next year, if he (Vir) wants to come back and perform, we won’t stop him, but it is a reputation loss for the performer.”

Das said that he had to return to Mumbai to “honour his commitment” as his film, October 31 had suddenly got a release date, that of October 7. “Pulling out of shows might seem unprofessional, but my team is in talks with them, trying to organise an alternate gig. We hope the shows happen in the coming months. But, for now, my movie was my priority and I made my choice,” he added.