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“Comedy is tragedy plus time.” |
Finally, for those out there that don’t like to laugh, they might be best served by a quote from another lady of show business, Julia Roberts:
“Show me a person who doesn't like to laugh and I'll show you a person with a toe tag.”
When I first met Sunee, his excitement for comedy was surprisingly infectious. He had this great big toothy smile and energy that seemed to say “isn’t where we are the best place to be?”
At 6 foot 5, Sunee has a large stage presence both figuratively and literally and he spends his time behind the microphone being self-deprecating enough to cut himself down to size.
On stage, Sunee can most often be found in a flat bill hat (more often than not, a San Diego Padres hat with a large SD on the front…Sunee Dhaliwal, get it?), sneakers and a jersey that works well with his material about all things young people do.
This mix of bravado and self-consciousness combined with enthusiasm for the craft has morphed into an affable charm that connects with the audience.
He recently won the People’s Champ Comedy Competition and in addition to his stand up work, makes YouTube videos with a group named Hot Coffee.
In Canada, a young Indo-Canadian stand–up comedian is inevitably going to draw a comparison or two to the mega famous Russell Peters. This is hardly fair, but it seems to be the way things are at the moment. Sunee addresses this issue handily in his act with a very funny bit concerning his father trying to act out so that his son can have a catch phrase of his very own, just like Peters.
It’s bits like this that show that he is developing his own voice that will serve him well on his way in the comedy business, and if enthusiasm is destined to wane, it hasn’t caught up with Sunee yet.
Sunee took a few minutes to answer a few questions for Vancouver Is Awesome.
When was the last time you laughed until you cried?
Beginning of this month. My friend Sam Easton was shooting a basketball to win the game, I yelled out "for the win" and it went over the backboard. I dropped to my knees and everyone just started laughing. I couldn't believe how badly he missed made me cry. It was defiantly one of those you had to be there moments.
What is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in starting out in comedy?
Defining myself, meaning not doing "bits" and actually speaking from experience. Also being East Indian, not being grouped in with every other East Indian Comic. Standing out.
When was the first time it occurred to you that stand up might be the thing for you?
First time I saw Chris Rock. I remember thinking a skinny, funny guy, with big teeth, if he can make it why cant I?
You talk about your parents in your act, are they excited to have a son doing comedy?
My parents are the best. They know I love it and therefore are behind me 100%. They told me to do what makes me happy.
What is one myth about stand up comedy you’d like to dispel?
That heckling helps the show. Many people I've talked to they think that they should be able to yell things out and as a comedian we are suppose deal with it, or run with whatever they said. Many comics try to prepare something special (not me) and because someone in the crowd either gets too drunk or feels they are not getting enough attention, they decide to ruin the comics flow by trying to "contribute to the show". Thanks but no help needed.
Why is Vancouver a good place for comedy?
Vancouver crowds are, for the most part, very reserved. So to convey a reaction from them, a comic needs actual jokes. When touring the jokes hit twice as hard because people in, for example, Toronto give huge responses
Who is one performer/group of performers you think everyone should see at least once?
This is going to sound weird, but for real...... Kanye West. I saw his concert and immediately thought "Man I would love to do a comedy show like that". He told a story with his music and also did a play that went with the music and the play told a grander story. One day I would love to do that with my jokes. (but if you want comedian go watch Chris Rock or Louis C.K)
Every article about comedy has to have a pun in the title. What would you like yours to be?
Sunee Dhaliwal, the Pun in the Comedy Scene (you see Pun is slang for "Punjabi". Which I is).
What is a comedic premise you think needs to be retired?
Jokes about drug commercials where the products side effects are worse than the actual thing you have.
