Getting old's joke!

Nothing's off-limit for this stand-up comedian. Radhika Vaz can make you laugh with same intensity at her unlady-like jokes to her very 'serious' comments. After tickling with her performances in New York, Vaz's bold takes on ageing Older, Angrier and Hairier will enthrall Mumbai this week where the city-born comedic will begin a four-city tour of her show. Excerpts from an interview...

Do you have a particular comedic style, if you will?
Not from a delivery point of view, my first show was a sort of sketch-monolog hybrid and 'Older' is what some would call traditional stand-up. Where there may be similarities is in the material, I tend to focus on things that make me angry!

Any specific influences?
Too many and they are not all stand up comedians but here goes: Joan Rivers, Patrice O'Neal, Gilda Radner, Lily Tomlin, Bill Cosby, Bill Hicks, Bill Maher, Chris Rock, Lisa Lampanelli, Lena Dunham…

Is it tough to be a woman and a comedian?
It's the same level of difficulty women face in any professional arena that has traditionally been male dominated. We have to be so much better to prove to people we can do this – and it isn't fair – but then again we are so much better!

How difficult/easy it is to make sexual jokes?
Its very easy making a silly sex joke, and I love those by the way. What is harder is using a sex joke to introduce a bigger idea – that takes some thought for sure.

How is the Indian audience different from people in other countries?
Our feelings are too soft, we are offended by everything. Abroad when they see the word 'comedy' they understand that things they may not agree with will be said. In India some of us get so upset we want to ban the show!

What do you do when people don't get your jokes?
I just keep it moving! There is nothing else you can do.

What are the taboo topics when you go on stage?
Nothing is ever off limits. If I have a good joke I am going to air it. I would constipate myself if I held it in!

Your favourite topic on stage?
Women and men. Our relationships, what we think of each other, and the double standards that guide our lives.

If you could impersonate one person, who will that be?
My dad, my husband and my niece Avni. They are all ridiculous human beings who deserve to be made fun of.

What is the Mumbai gig all about?
'Older. Angrier. Hairier' covers what I have noticed happen to me over the last 10 years. Its about how women fall in to housework without even thinking about it, same goes for marriage and childbirth, and finally I end with how age changes us – mentally and (horror of horrors) physically!

What is the source of your comedy?
So far its been personal experience and observation.

Who is the softest target for jokes?
In my mind I am – I know exactly how full of s*^t I am - and I try and use that as much as I can.

How do you deal with hecklers?
Not politely (chukles).

What's your stand on freedom of speech in context to AIB Roast controversy?
I am ashamed and embarrassed by the fact that there are FIRs pending against these men and women. What is wrong with us? What are we expecting the world to think of us if we can't take a damn joke?