Aditya Gautam
I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land I'm recording from. I pay my respect to the Kamira people and their elders, past and present. I also acknowledge the traditional owners from all Aboriginal and Torres State Islander lands. You're listening from coming up in this episode.
Shash Kapur
So my dad is like, therapy Why do you need therapy? Did I do something wrong? Am I doing? Do I need to be a better father? I was like, bro, you're 55. You had your chance and you blew it. And this is the outcome.
Aditya Gautam
lot of men especially will never take that leap. You know, they, they'll be okay, I've got a problem, but I'll deal with it somehow. They won't be like, okay, let me get a.
Shash Kapur
You're going to go super real here, but let's do it.
Aditya Gautam
Let's make this a therapy session.
Shash Kapur
Let's do it, brother. Instantly the way he comes. Can I please have, two large margarita pizzas.
Shash Kapur
Bro, my whole reality shook. It's like, I was like, what? My whole life has been a lie. What is happening right now? They can send it here. And my dad is like, go buy house.
Shash Kapur
Take deposit from me. Yeah, we're living in Sydney. Your net worth would be 2% deposit. Bro, what are you talking about?
Aditya Gautam
Hello everybody. Welcome to Comedy Karma season two. I'm, Aditya Gautam, your host. And in this podcast, I talk to comedians from all over the world who now live and perform in Australia. In today's episode, I'm talking to the one and only Shash Kapoor. He's an Indian Australian comedian, who has
been performing sold out shows all across Australia for quite a few years now. And he's also an accountant and mortgage broker. And you will soon find out he has spent no time doing his own accounting and mortgage broking. we'll talk about different things. We'll talk about mental health, we'll talk
about parenting, we'll talk about getting citizenship. Let's start the show with one of his Jokes.
Shash Kapur
And I have a traditional Indian dad. So I had to, like, have this. Awkward conversation with my father. I was like, dad, just so you know, I'm seeing a therapist, and my. Dad is like, shashu, your life is perfect. Why do you need therapy? And guys, it is so awkward. So awkward when the problem asks
what the problem is, right?
Aditya Gautam
All right, man. Welcome to the show. Shash Kapur. Dude, I love that joke. I'll tell you, okay? I've heard you doing comedy for quite a few years now, so I know all your jokes. Even the one that you are still working on or haven't even started working on. I know everything, all right? I love this
joke. I love this joke the most because you're being super real. That's why I love this joke. You're being super real. You're being super honest. And it just hits home more because of that. I, wanted to know, firstly, how did this joke even come to be? Like, how did this joke form or whatever?
Shash Kapur
It's actually, it formed, like, a real conversation with my father. And the truth is, I had shaved off my hair at the same time, and my dad is bald. And it was a whole taboo that, oh, grow your hair till as long as you can do it. And I was like, I'm more comfortable with them gone. And I told my dad
that I'm seeing a therapist. And at this point, my dad thought, I'm seeing a hair therapist. And then few weeks later, my dad is like, what's the deal with your hair? They're not growing. I was like, why should my hair be growing? He's like, aren't you going for a therapist? I was like, no, like a
mental health therapist. And then he's like, oh, but why? Like, are we doing anything bad with you? And it's like one of those things, you know, like, not putting anyone in the picture, but sometimes, you know, you will have mates or relationship partners and stuff who will come up to you and be
like, no, tell me. Was I wrong? No, tell me, do you love me? And you're like, yeah. Yes, I do. Yes, I do. But then in the moment, you're like. I'm not being honest. So my dad is like, tell me, why do you need therapy? Did I do something wrong? Am I doing. Do I need to be a better father? I was like,
bro, you're 55. You had your chance and you blew it. And this is the outcome. So that was the whole thing about. Helping my dad understand what the whole concept of mental health is or why it is important and my dad was just in denial for the longest time. And then I realised that instead of.
Because initially I was that guy who's. Like, oh, I'm going to confront my dad that, hey, you did this. I'm like this because of you. And then I realised, man, end of. The day, I love my father. So I can. Probably easier for me to work on myself than to like, just keep relating everything like, oh,
dad did this. That is why I'm like that. I'm like, well, I'm a grown up adult now. I can, I can do better.
Shash Kapur
When I say do better, I, that guy is not my father anymore. I have a new father. But you know what I'm saying? Yes. It was just about letting my dad understand that he's also allowed to be vulnerable. And, this was also like, to do with therapy. Like, there's a very funny thing with therapy. if you
go for any sessions ever, when you're doing the therapy.
Aditya Gautam
You know, like, are you trying to tell me something? I need to go for sessions?
Aditya Gautam
We all do. All comedians, by the way. All comedians mentally ill, oh, very much. Yeah. That's different. I think that might be a, baseline to become a comedian. You have to have some mental illness.
Shash Kapur
From an Indian perspective, it's also cheaper to do comedy because you're like, well, I did not heal myself, but hey, I made a confession, you know, so we're like, ah, well then it's better. But, when you go for therapy, sometimes they'll be writing, they'll be making notes, you say something and
they'll write it down. So I would often say something and then I saw my therapist write it down and then this time she was smiling and I was like, what did you write down? And she said that, the funny thing is you keep saying you're the problem, but you also keep saying your dad is the problem. So I
was like, oh, that's, that's a funny angle. Maybe I can use, use this in real life. And that joke I still remember. That's probably one of my only few jokes which, the first time I did it, it just.
Aditya Gautam
So you, you did it in this exact same format. Format.
Shash Kapur
Like it was a bit different initially. But the crux being because everyone, like, if, no matter what your gender is, no matter what your role is in the family or the society, if you're at a show and if you've ever had an argument with your dad, because moms are always more caring, more nurturing,
you know, dads often like, you know, dads are dads, you know, like, yeah, they're like a cloud on a, on a sunny day, does nothing, but it's there, right? So that's that. So I was like, every time I did this, people would just relate. They're like, ah. Because, the joke I do is like, usually that
gets a pop. And I'm like, it's so beautiful that we all bonded over daddy issues. Then people will laugh because everyone is like, yeah, I've got some sort of daddy issues. So then that's where it was. Of course I felt like I was being heard, but everyone else felt that they are also being heard. So
that is why it's a funny joke.
Aditya Gautam
Yeah, M. that's interesting that it worked straight away. When did you even go, okay, I'm going to find a therapist? What was even that thought? Because that's a big leap. A lot of, lot of men especially will never take that leap. You know, they'll go, okay, I've got a problem, but I'll deal with it
somehow. They won't be like, okay, let me get it.
Shash Kapur
You're gonna go super real here, but let's do it.
Aditya Gautam
Let's make this a therapy session.
Shash Kapur
Let's do it, brother. but I think I would never cry. Like that was my thing, right? And I would just like, if something painful happens, something sad is happening, I'll just, yeah, whatever, you know, it is life, it happens. which is okay. A lot of people live with that mindset. But I soon realised
that I wasn't respecting my body's reaction to it. Like, if something is sad, I'm feeling sad, but I'll go and do something that is not even relevant. Like I'll push it away. And which. This might trigger a lot of people, but a lot of people who do gym, like, not all of them, but I have met a few
personally. They have things that they need to take care of or like they have some questions they want answered. They are doing some things which are actually very terrible or like wrong when you look at it from a third person perspective. But they go to the gym and they push it all down. They take
out this anger, this frustration.
Aditya Gautam
So, yeah, I also personally know some people.
Shash Kapur
Yeah. Yeah. So often fitness becomes an escape. for us comedians, sometimes comedy becomes an escape. We know a lot of comedians who have terrible relationships, but they're always on the road because they don't want to spend time with a partner, you know, so it's things like that. So the point I
was making is like I was just not feeling any level of sadness. I would always come up with distractions and keep myself busy. I love being occupied. But there came a point and shout out to COVID on this one, you know? Yeah. So I had so much time on my hands and I, was like, oh, well, if there is a
time I can allow myself to be vulnerable, this is a good time. And, just a few other things happening where I was like, I'm already in negative. Like this. This cannot get any. It's like sometimes, you know, when we're. Doing a gig and everyone is bombing.
Shash Kapur
Now, either you can come with
Aditya Gautam
No pressure.
Shash Kapur
So either you can do your best stuff, which you know will bomb because everyone's best of bomb, or you can be like, you know what, let's just talk to the crowd and let's do something different. Correct. Yeah. So that was therapy for me.
Aditya Gautam
that's interesting. So I was thinking about it that in India, while the idea of psychologist and mental health is not big, at least it wasn't till we were growing up. Maybe it's changing now slowly in big cities. but the idea of mental health in a different way has always been big in India. If you
think about it. The idea that your state of mind, affects everything around you is an idea that has been talked about in India for thousands of years in our religion, in, our. In. In mindfulness, as they call it here in the west, in meditation. So that idea is not alien to India. That idea that your
mental, like whatever is happening in your brain impact. So I remember when I was young, my mom took me to a meditation class once, and for the first time I started thinking about these things that, you know, even in Ayurveda, they talk about this a lot. That. How your. Maybe your illness is
connected to the way you're thinking and, you know, so this idea is not alien to India. It's just. It was in a very different form. So have you. Have you tried mindfulness meditation or.
Shash Kapur
You know, I haven't tried mindfulness. Like, I'm quite religious, spiritual. So for me, often mindfulness becomes. Or meditation becomes just praying to God. Like, I have sometimes gone to temples and closed my eyes and just like, prayed. And I realised two hours have passed because for me I feel
really comfortable. And, you know, I'm like, oh, I'm in the presence of God right now. I feel good. But on your topic, like, you know, of course there's awareness in India, bro. But to have these thoughts come to you where you're like, oh, is something wrong? Oh, what is happening? You also need a
Shash Kapur
Like, you need a peaceful moment. Like, look at this studio. You're like, life is good, sun is out. You can't do that in India, the moment you go for a break. So that's the problem. There's always something to worry about. And I sometimes find it funny, you. Know, like in Australia, someone will
just walk up there like, how's your day? no worries. Or you're like, hey, everything. It's like, no worries, mate. I'm like, like, not even a single worry. Man, your life is amazing. Like back home, there is always something to worry about. Like, you're just going home on your. Scooter and then
suddenly you realise, ah, well, did I pay the electricity bill? Oh yeah, you did. Oh, well, when was the last time I checked the air in my scooter? Then you go to the scooter guy. Then he tells you, oh, oil is leaking. So that's just India for you. Like, it is so overwhelming where you. Don't really
get us. Like, the funny thing is they said that yoga stems from India, this and that, but we don't have time to embrace what we have sort of created or given.
Shash Kapur
And that. I find that part quite funny.
Aditya Gautam
Saying is 100% true. Now the life in normal city in India is so hectic that you genuinely don't have time. Like in Delhi, I was telling this to Amna, last year when I spoke to her, was that in Delhi during like 4, 5 months from October till January, February, the government tells you, don't
exercise, don't do yoga, don't do anything because the air is so polluted that it's not good. Like, don't do breathing exercises, because you do, you want to breathe as little as possible. So that's like, it's hard to do mindfulness in a place where you can't even breathe properly. So I think what
you're saying is 100% true. okay, I'll play the second joke, which is
Shash Kapur
Like, I used to work. As an accountant and I used to work at one of those firms that does a diversity hire. Like there were too many white people, like, so they hired me, you know, and then suddenly there were too many brown people. So they fired me. Like really simple. And I'm all for diversity
hiring, but what I don't like is when they hire second gen migrants, like people whose parents came to Australia, worked and settled here and the kids were born or raised in Australia. Like, they look like me, but they. Talk like, you know my friend. You know what I'm talking about? Yeah. Coconuts.
And the problem I have with coconuts is they're stealing your job as well as mine, and it's too much.
Aditya Gautam
Yeah, I really like that joke. again, also really like that joke, because also very, very real joke. I think you're being very real there. because I also don't like coconut. Like, no, I have no problem with coconuts. You're all very nice people. but I, really, Here's my problem with it. Ah, it's
just similar to your problem. It's like, you're not Indian. You know what I mean? If you're born here, if you grew up here, you're Australian. Just because you look like me doesn't make you an Indian. I think. I was thinking about it. I think, what if you spent, like, your first 15, 20 years in a
country that is where you're from, no matter where you live for the rest of your life, no matter where you travel for the rest of your life, if you spent your first 20 years, let's say, in a country that is where you're from. so, like, we'll always be Indian. That's because that's.
Shash Kapur
But can I say this? Once this gets released, you will not. Get any coconut comics to come on the podcast.
Aditya Gautam
That's true. I do get a lot of coconut comics. I really love them. I love all, people who poc. Comics.
Shash Kapur
Born in Australia.
Aditya Gautam
but it did. Again, did anything like this actually happen to you? Like,
Shash Kapur
Oh, man. Yeah. So. And this is.
Aditya Gautam
Where does the joke come from? I wanted to ask.
Shash Kapur
Too real. Okay. Too real. I used to, like when I first came here, and again, I'm from a very small city in India. Like, I say Mumbai, but that's because most Australians don't even know my city, let alone my state. So I. I won't mention it, but I come from a very simple city, bro. So there was not
even awareness or exposure about, like, in. In India. Like, I'm from that part of India where everyone just thought that all Australians talk like Adam Gilchrist and all Australians are white and Caucasian. It's like, all right, so that's the mindset you can come to the country with. My first day
here, and I came to Perth initially, and there is a suburb called Elizabeth Quay. Not suburb. It's a landmark. Let's call it Quay. Now, I'm from India. I'm Fresh off the board, bro. So for me that's "Kwei" All right. So I'm like Elizabeth "Kwei" And then the bus driver of Indian descent. Okay.
Because I could see his name was Ranjit or something. And then he's like, oh my God, it is actually Elizabeth Key. And I was like, brother, like what's like. And I honestly, I have also developed a bit of an accent. Living here. Yeah.
Shash Kapur
But when I first came, I think I did not have this Australian influence on my accent. It was just like pure Indian. Like, I'm like, brother, where are you? Like very different. Yeah. So he's talking like an Aussie. Like he sounds different to me. I'm like, brother, we are the same colour, but it's
like same, same but different. Like what is happening? And then I have a cousin over here and we. My first or second day he took me out. So when he talks to me he's like, ah, brother, I got a new car. Yeah, go to office and stuff. It is simple. So I'm like, okay, that's how he talks with everyone.
Went out with his mates. He's like, well, I'll introduce you to my mates. We went to a pizza shop and suddenly he's talking to me like, shash, what will you have? Okay, pizza. Huh? Not a problem. I was like, okay, that's home, home. And suddenly the waiter comes like, can. I please have two large
margarita pizzas? And bro, my whole reality shook. It's like I was like, what? My whole life has been a lie. What is happening right now? So when I made these coconut jokes. Like, because I saw it literally firsthand with my cousin, where we are both, we grew up in India together for a long time.
Then he came here when he was I think 11. And then he did most of his schooling here. And all his mates are like different, like Italian and Greeks and Aussies and Chinese. So like everyone, you know, like a good, good diverse group. So then they all talk like that because they are all Aussies at
their heart right now. Here is my brother. Similar skills, similar looks, same height, same skin colour, sounding so different. And then he also is favoured at work. And that's where I was like, oh my God. Like maybe he was hired as a. Diversity hire, but he's still Indian deep down, so he's good
with numbers. So that is why he's like climbing up the ranks. So that's where I came up with this joke where like I'll go for an interview. And I used to do this as a Joke. And, I interviewed at one of the very big firms and, man, I walked in and I was probably the only person of colour over there,
bro. And I felt really awkward. And I walked into the room and it was a panel of Caucasians who were taking my interview and they told me, Shash, what do you bring to the table? And for a split second in my head, I thought, diversity. So that's where that joke stems from, where I did. Not really,
like, it's a fair play, you know, for most things in Australia, but. And this could be, opinion that Shakespeare. But I think Aussies like doing business with Aussies. It's not so much about your skin colour, it's not so much about your accent, but, like, over time, you know, you and I, we've sort
of become Aussies, but we're still quite Indian, right? But then when we first came here, we were, like, very Indian. And then we meet someone who's been here 30 years. They're like very Aussie. So we are sort of in the middle right now. And I think doing comedy as well. You know, we work with
promoters, we work with comics from different descents and stuff. They're Aussies. And then they don't want me to open for them, not because I'm brown, but because I'm not an Aussie. Like, I can't relate to their humour, they can't relate to mine. We make joke about coconuts, but there's also
Shash Kapur
Yeah. And I used to work with this boss and he would do something, he's like, you have a good one, eh?
Shash Kapur
And I'm like, you don't say that to me when I go home. But just because this guy's an Aussie. Why are you trying to sound like him? Like, I know you're not a coconut at all.
Shash Kapur
So there's also these pretend coconuts. And, I did meet a lot of those in Perth, but for most part it was mainly people of, Aussie. Aussie, Caucasian descent. And from that, compare that to I come to Sydney and I was like, man, it's like, we are everywhere.
Shash Kapur
And then I finally realised that, you. Know, they said that, oh, Indians are everywhere. I was like, yeah, I agree, man. This was too much. I think my first week here, I. Went to Parramatta or Harris Park. I think it was Harris Park. It did not even feel like I'm outside. I'm in Australia right now.
Shash Kapur
Everyone, like, the Uber passenger is Indian, the driver is Indian. I was like, what is happening, bro? You know that. That does not balance.
Shash Kapur
So it's quite a funny experience. but I definitely find Sydney is more welcoming of your skills rather than your, you know, let's call it your ethnic identity.
Aditya Gautam
Yeah. 100%. Was it. So having. So having lived in Perth for quite a few years, did you feel the need to sort of like you were saying, like, these pretend coconuts or people who've lived there for a bit and they, Like, he's sounding different to you and sound. And speaking a different accent to
someone who's not Indian. Did you feel pressure to. Because we all want to be accepted. We all want to. Basically, we all want to blend in. Right. We don't want to stand out. Especially when you're new immigrant in a country. It sucks. Standing out. Yeah. Especially in this sun, bro.
Aditya Gautam
Yeah, especially in the Perth sun.
Aditya Gautam
Right. so did you. Were you also doing. Do you think you were doing certain things, trying to blend in?
Shash Kapur
Not really, man. Not really? Yeah. I think I was a terrible. That's what I was telling you on the drive here, right? Like, I was a terror. Like, when I first came here, bro, you would look at me and you're like, what is wrong with this guy?
Aditya Gautam
How did they let him in?
Shash Kapur
Like, something doesn't add up. And I. I'm from a very hot. Part in India, so Perth is hot or warm, but, man, I used to freeze to death. And when I first got here and, like, I would be that guy, it's like a sunny day and I'm like, under two layers of jacket and, like, wearing sweatpants. We were
like, is this guy okay? And then imagine this guy shows up at the restaurant door and they're like, yeah, it's like, oh, I'm looking for a job interview. They see you in two jackets. They're like, no, we are not hiring. Like it says right there, you're hiring. So I was that guy when I got here. So
that is why I did not really try to blend in.
Aditya Gautam
Okay. You just tried to not be that weird. That was your journey.
Shash Kapur
Yeah. Yeah, that was it. And when I think about it, you know, a lot of comics are weird people. And I look back, I'm like, man, I think I'm quite normal now, but. I used to be so weird back then when I first arrived. Oh, my God, I was so.
Aditya Gautam
You're still weird.
Shash Kapur
Still weird. Takes one to know one.
Aditya Gautam
You were weirder. I guess. But listen, this thing about you finding, Perth very cold. I totally relate to it. Because you're from Gujarat, right? Which City are you from?
Aditya Gautam
So I lived in Ahmedabad for a few years and I. I've lived in Delhi most of my life. So my parents and, my family, we moved to Ahmedabad for a few years. My dad got transferred.
Aditya Gautam
And the first thing I remember noticing in Ahmedabad and my whole family making fun of you people, was when it was winters and Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad winters are non. Non. Yeah, they're 28 degrees. They're not winters at all. And everybody in Ahmedabad putting, cotton in their ears
Aditya Gautam
And I mean, me and my family making fun of it because we're from Delhi, man. Delhi winters are proper winters. Like, it gets to two degrees in. In winters.
Shash Kapur
Oh, definitely.
Aditya Gautam
so we were like, oh, these losers, they can't handle even this much cold. But so I can relate to you coming to Perth and going, oh, this is cold.
Shash Kapur
I mean, that. That's been my whole life. Like, I. I always end up like this. Like, I'm from Gujarat, but I'm a Punjabi. Yeah, right. But Punjabis are like, you know, they. Can tolerate the cold and they can. Tolerate the chilli and the hot. I can't do that because I'm Gujarati. So Gujaratis look at
me, they're like. No, you're a Punjabi. The Punjabis look at me, they're like, no, you're a Gujarati.
Aditya Gautam
No, I think, though as much as I know you, I think you're Gujarati.
Shash Kapur
Yeah, that's what I'm saying.
Aditya Gautam
Everything about you is very Gujarati.
Aditya Gautam
Yeah. Your food, taste in your.
Shash Kapur
And that's quite surprising too. Like, sometimes I go on a date with a girl and she's like, oh. I'm hanging out with a Punjabi boy. And then I'm like, oh, yeah, can I have sweet dal? And they're like, what is happening with this guy?
Aditya Gautam
Exactly. You're not.
Shash Kapur
So I think that that was also like one of the things when I. Came here, you know, like, Australia, when we come here as first gen migrants, we try to find our community. So the Gujarati community was like, no, you're a Punjabi. Go hang out with them. And the Punjabi is like, no, you're a Gujarati.
Hang out with them. So I was just.
Aditya Gautam
Because Kapoor is such a Punjabi name also. No, it's a very Punjabi name. If I ask you, what is home, what would be your answer?
Shash Kapur
Man. Bro, I think home is a person for me. Okay. It could be anywhere. I can call any place home as long as I'm with the right person. Okay? Now it doesn't even have to be like, in a relationship sense. Like, it could be my parents. When I'm in India with my parents, that is home. We went to Vietnam
last year for three weeks. Suddenly, Vietnam felt like home. Because you are seeing your loved ones, you got someone to care for you, you're caring for them. Moving as a team, you're moving as a unit. So to me, home is a person. I really don't think a piece of land or a piece of house, I mean, it
would give me that feeling. But to me, it's more so who I'm spending time with over there.
Aditya Gautam
No, that. That makes sense to me because I honestly never felt at home in Australia. but now that I, my wife is here, and I'm married, and I live with her, when I go back to my apartment in Sydney, feels like home because she's there. And I think if I was living by myself, I would still not feel at
home. And as soon as I go to India, it instantly feels like home. Obviously, India feels like home for many reasons. I've peed everywhere in Obviously, it feels like home.
Shash Kapur
your DNA is everywhere, bro.
Aditya Gautam
Yeah, my DNA is everywhere. okay, I'll play the third joke.
Shash Kapur
Citizenship is nice, but now the downside of getting the citizenship is my dad thinks I'm making unlimited money. Like, every time he calls me, all I hear is, I need $400, and. I have to check if it's a. Scam call. But it's my tightass father. You know.
Aditya Gautam
This is something that happens when you start living abroad, is that people do start thinking you have more money than you probably do. It's because of the conversion. Right. Because you go back and you, like, you know, $100. So you got 55,500 rupees. So it just gets. You get that feeling that
everything is multiplied by 55. Yeah. So you have 55 times more money than anyone else. so it's. Do you do what. What do your parents. what are their feelings about this? So what? Just to give people context, last one year, you quit your job.
Aditya Gautam
And you're doing. You're working, but you're focusing more on comedy. So what are their feelings about this situation, Man.
Shash Kapur
See, Touch wood, I have really supportive parents, which, as a human growing up, it's good, but as a comic, it's terrible. I'm like, give me some issues so I can talk about it. Right. but they're quite supportive for most part. this probably last year was the first year where I wasn't really able to
financially provide for them as much as I would usually. of course income capacity has taken a hit. You switch over from corporate. But Sydney is like, is the most. Livable city if you have money to live with. Okay, so it's been quite an expensive. Time here in Sydney. and they've been supportive
for most part. But this is the cute thing about my parents, right? Like they, they're not very well travelled. Okay, so they have travelled a bit, but they don't really have a worldly opinion. They don't think, they don't understand how things work overseas. So for my dad, if I'm talking to him or
dare I mention that I am running out of money. That's what, I've never had that issue. But dare I mention that, oh, this week was a bit expensive. Then immediately he says like, oh, don't, don't worry, you need money, I'll send, how much you need? 30, 40,000 rupees. Yeah, like 40,000 rupees. That's
like $800. That is just two weeks rent. But then that same money over there is like, you can run a household. For like almost six, seven months. So then they really think that the. Rupee is that much stronger that they can send it here. And my dad is like, go buy house. Take deposit from me. Yeah,
we're living in Sydney. Your net worth would be 2% deposit, bro. What are you talking about? So that's where it gets funny where. they're quite understanding and they understand that money is a bit tight now. But when I was in corporate, man, my dad was living like, bro, like I'm minting money in
the house. Like, that's what my dad used to think. I still remember this was like the funniest encounter I remember where I sort of came about with this joke. My dad. There was one such a really good time in our lives that my dad kept complaining to me that, the TV sonu screen is very small. When
I'm watching, sometimes I have to squint my eyes. I was like, that would not happen to my father on my watch. Like, go get a brand new TV today. He's like, okay, goes to buy the tv, man. This salesman was a twat. Like, he knew what he was doing. He could see that there is a guy who's very proud
about his son being in Australia. This, that. And then dad goes to buy a. TV and dad is like, no, no, Emi pay cash. The guy's like, okay, I know how to deal with this. And then he says, sir, when you buy a bigger tv, bigger screen size, it will make your room very hot. Sir, how much is your aircon
capacity? We call it AC in India. He's like, how big is your ac? That is like this litre. He's like, this TV, sir, you need at least four, five litre ac. So my dad buys another AC as well. And he calls me from the shop, he's like, listen son, the TV is nice. I'm like, that's good news. But you know,
I think the AC is nicer. I was like, okay. So by. So then there was a time in my life where every time my dad calls me it is usually for him to flex. And this is a very Indian parent. Thing where sometimes their biggest achievement is the kid. So then he would be sitting with his friends and you
know like in. India we have this thing like chai, like tea. And then people will just sit, sip tea at ah, like a, a stall on the road or roadside stall and everyone is sitting with their mates. Son is doing very well, like very easy money in Australia, you know. And then they're talking about
politics, this and that, and suddenly someone will try to flex. And this is what my dad will. He'll take out his own. He's like, ah, son, yeah, my car suspension the other day I was driving, my back was aching a bit. Yeah, can buy a new car. And often it wasn't even so that we buy a new car, but
that's just so he can flex in front of his friends. I was like, yeah. And then I'm like, you're with your friends. Like, ah, yeah, yeah, no, no, that is right. I could sense what is happening and I would just be like, yeah, yeah, dad, go buy a car. He's not going to buy the car. But that started
Aditya Gautam
But you are afraid, will he buy the car?
Shash Kapur
Man, I'm going to say this really funny and my dad doesn't like, he would not appreciate this, but when I. Left India and it's me, my mom and my dad, so just three of us. So it's whatever is theirs is mine. What is mine is theirs. Okay? So my dad told me to sign like 10 blank sheets of paper because
he's like, you are going, if I need something, what to do? It's like, not a problem, bro. Two years later, out of nowhere, my dad calls me. He's like, congratulations. I'm like, what? He's like, you are now AMEX Platinum member. I was like, how? He's like, remember you signed that paper? I was like,
yeah. He's like, I got your credit card. I don't even need the credit card. So this is what my dad was doing. So that's where I came up with this whole concept, like, oh, you think you are getting scam calls? I am too. But in our case, the intruder is in the house. So that's just like a funny way of
me, let's say. Yeah, just addressing my dad.
Shash Kapur
Stop asking me for money. But if anything, ask me for more.
Aditya Gautam
Was it, Are they so there, the idea that you are doing comedy and you might want to do comedy full time, they're okay with that idea.
Shash Kapur
They're typical Indian parents. They've given me a timeline.
Shash Kapur
They're like, when you're this age, you need to have this. Like, that's your benchmark. If you don't have that, then you put comedy on the side a little bit, and then you keep doing your corporate role while still supporting your comedy. the good thing with my parents is they're not those people who
will come up to me with an ultimate like, okay, either you choose us or you choose comedy. there's a lot of Indian parents do dramas like that. My parents are pretty chill.
Shash Kapur
But they are also.
Aditya Gautam
Don't you think the idea of art and comedy has changed in India now? Like, more and more people are accepting of the fact that kids can do this.
Shash Kapur
Yeah. But the problem with that is it is because of the fame that. That's what I believe, but just in. Just because of the fame or attention it brings the parents. my son, comedian, the other day, sold out. How much money make? Doesn't matter. Selling out like that. The parents started getting
recognition and this and that.
Shash Kapur
So that's where it's like, what do we call it? A bubble. Like a comedy bubble. Right now the people are doing well, are doing exception. You know, Zakir Khan came solar, Sydney Opera House, two nights in a row, shout out to him. That was amazing. But it took him years to become Zakir Khan. The early
years for him, man. I don't know what he went through, but, I would like to think it was quite a lonely journey. Not a lot of support, a lot of people questioning, why are you doing? What are you doing? You never amount to. You won't make money.
Shash Kapur
And, this is what we comics talk, right? Like, 1% of us are gonna make it.
Shash Kapur
And when we say make it, we mean, like, big. But then 99, a lot of people might just survive by. You can make a, you know, monthly wage or daily wage or 50,000 a year in Australia. That's. That's not impossible, but we know how hard it can be. Yeah, right. So I think it's the same in India, man. And
India, it's more so a very social community, competitiveness, like, oh, what car you have? Oh, you have the Tesla Model Y. I'm gonna get Tesla Model Y. Self driving. Yeah, yeah, you know, so it's like there's always this a bit of a flexing on each other. So I think currently that is happening that,
oh, Sharmaji's son. Sharmaji is proud that his son got 95. My son have 95k followers.
Shash Kapur
The truth is, Sharmaji, Stan still has 5 properties and you only have 100k followers. So that's where, like, financially doesn't make sense. But a reel will go viral. You will become overnight celebrity.
Aditya Gautam
does your dad follow you on Instagram?
Shash Kapur
Oh, no, because he started commenting that.
Aditya Gautam
So you had to block him.
Shash Kapur
I had to block him because, one guy actually, this is a. Bit creepy, but I do this joke about my dad asking for money, this and that. And then one guy actually sent me a message. He's like, yo, I'm hanging out with your dad. He's asking for money. And I could not. And I immediately called my dad.
I'm like, dad, you saved. What's happening? And then I realised this guy was just joking. and I took it to my heart because that sometimes happens when you have family all the way in a different continent altogether, not even a different city, in the same country, something like that happens. You.
What's happening? So I immediately called my dad and then I realised, ah, this guy was trolling. I maybe just overreacted. And how did he know that? Because my dad had gone on a trip at that same time and he had a public profile, so he split a trip. So this guy said, oh, I'm. I'm in Brisbane with
your dad, he's asking for money. Haha. And I was like, wait, what? So then I just had to block my dad. I was like, bro, don't comment. Yeah, I'll send you the link. Forward it to your whole WhatsApp group, but just don't comment on my clips.
Aditya Gautam
Yeah, that's so funny. have they seen you perform, your parents?
Shash Kapur
Yes, yes, they did. I think two times. Yeah, I still did the dad jokes. jokes on my dad.
Aditya Gautam
In Australia or India?
Shash Kapur
No, in Thailand and in India.
Aditya Gautam
Oh, okay. They were with you in Thailand and they saw you perform.
Aditya Gautam
Ah, interesting. What did they think about the performance?
Shash Kapur
Oh, man, Friday made them. On Friday. They were not owning up. That. That is our son. Because I was bombing horribly. And then they just happened to be the two other brown people in the venue. But on Saturday, it was going really well. And then they were like, oh, that's my son. They're quite
supportive, man. My mom especially, she's a big. And that is why I don't make jokes on my mom because she's like an angel. She's like the nicest person I know that exists.
Shash Kapur
And then I have my dad. I'm like, oh, man. People like, why don't you talk about your mom?
Shash Kapur
I'm like, well, because she's a normal human.
Aditya Gautam
Yeah, exactly. Growing up, what was the idea of comedy? Like, what was your exposure to comedy? How did you become interested in comedy?
Shash Kapur
Great question. Because a lot of, you know, I hang out with comics over here. Like, let's ask you as well, who's the comic? You followed a lot growing up. Was that Indian or so.
Aditya Gautam
So the idea of comedy for me came very late. Like stand up comedy came very late. Right. Again, Russell Peters. When I was, when I was, 19 or 20.
Aditya Gautam
But the idea of comedy earlier when I was younger was, mostly so Bakra Kishtope, you probably. I'm a bit older than you. Quite a bit older than you. Braka Krishtupe is this, series that was made in Pakistan, by these Pakistani comedians. they do a stage play. Have you ever seen it?
Aditya Gautam
You've heard of it? Okay, so. And that was very popular in India when I was growing up. We used to have cassettes of that. And that was the funniest thing I had ever seen. There are these four, five, Pakistani comedians who do these, stage acting. It's very similar to what, Kapil Sharma show is now.
Aditya Gautam
Bakra Kishtupe was that like 20 years ago? 22 years. And it was hilarious.
Shash Kapur
The reason I brought this up is because that's where we can bond over. Right? Like, I started seeing comedy when I was a kid in India and not to put anyone down, man, but like having done comedy in Australia and India, like, the quality in India is just next level. And I say that I could be biased
because it's in Hindi and I can relate to it more. But the crowd that comes to see it in Hindi are also very different crowd than, you know, what we get at the Gigs we do over here where prime. We primarily do gigs in English to a crowd that wants to listen to us in English. Right. So I used to see
all these comedians like you got Sunil Pal, you got Kapil Sharma, you got Krishna Sudesh, you know.
Shash Kapur
And Comedy Night Circus. So for me comedy was there. A lot of people say I saw Russell Peters and that clicked it for me. No, Russell Peters came to my life very late. When I came to Australia I did not even know Russell Peters when I was in India and I still did my whole bachelor's over there
wanting to be a comedian. There was just no platform in my city, it's a very small city. But that fuel to be a comic or like to do comedy, to write jokes that came from like when I was in year six or year five and then you do it in your school as well. I used to do a bit of drama, comedy, drama. I
used to write for my school, this and that. So that was, that was always good fun. Yeah but that's where it came comes from me. And then you talk to a lot of comics in the Australian circus like oh, like black, comedy, Def Jam comedy, underground comedy. I'm like man, I still don't know.
Aditya Gautam
Yeah, I also don't know more about most of them. I'm still learning about a lot of.
Shash Kapur
These things and it sort of just opens your head like for me man, Katt Williams, the day I heard Katt Williams, like I've been hooked on that guy. I'm like his energy, his performance, his style, his attire, it's just so beautiful. But I could being very honest, I could have lived my whole life
without finding about Katt Williams. Still be good at comedy. Only if I was just focusing on the Indian comments.
Shash Kapur
Because that's maybe what we can relate to more as well. 100%.
Aditya Gautam
Yeah, yeah I agree with you. so a final few questions. This question I've asked everybody. what, what do you think would be your favourite thing about Australia and your least favourite thing about Australia or let's say your favourite thing about Yeah that's it, let's stick with that. Your
favourite thing about Australia and your least favourite thing about Australia.
Shash Kapur
My probably the least favourite at now would just be like barriers for first gen immigrants. Like you know how I was talking about like Aussies, like doing business with Aussies, like that's probably my least favourite thing. Where sometimes you were overseeing a lot of skill and a wealth of
knowledge. Like not so sure about you. I have been in that spot Where I've applied for jobs, I was clearly overqualified or well, qualified for by not get it because the criteria was we want someone with permanent residency or citizenship. There is a bit of defence from the companies as well that
they don't want to invest in someone. But I think that barrier to entry that, you know, it's pro Aussies, pro Aussies. And we sort of are Aussies now. So we do get a lot of doors open for us, but for a lot of people it can be unfair.
Shash Kapur
But my favourite thing about Australia, man, I think age is just a number over here. Ah, like I could be 33, deciding to do another course, step away from comedy, go build a whole career in construction or go build a whole career as a fire brigade officer, Australian army, Navy, whatever. So age is
just a number which allows you to reinvent yourself as many times as you want and not so much what life throws at you. Yeah. Like in India we sort of can reinvent maybe once or twice. It's a big risk over here, man. You can take a risk, doesn't work out, go back to your old job, does it? Doesn't
Aditya Gautam
I love that answer because that's 100% true. That's again, I love that answer because I agree with both equally, the negative and the positive. you can. No one judges you for your age and what you're doing at what age here, which is beautiful. You can literally be a 60 year old person starting to go
to open mics and no one will judge you. I know such people who are starting comedy at 60 and no one judges them for that, which is beautiful. yeah, awesome, man. Okay, so, you know, when people see this, hit me up.
Shash Kapur
On my Instagram as well. It's the easiest way. It's called Brown Spicy man.
Aditya Gautam
That's my Brown Spicy man. That's your Instagram.
Aditya Gautam
That's an interesting one to go for, man. Brown Spice. You are a brown spicy man. I can attest to it. Yeah, I think that's it, man. that's pretty much it. Thanks for doing this, thanks for coming and thanks for doing this podcast. It was fun. Spoke about things that we wouldn't speak about
Aditya Gautam
Which is interesting. Comedy Karma is an SBS original podcast. It was created and produced by me, Aditya Gautam, with editing help from Tarun Tiagi. I would like to give a, huge thanks to the SBS teams at the Melbourne and Sydney offices and to Joel Supple for her guidance. You can find Comedy Karma
on SBS or on any other platform where you get your podcasts. Go listen to more episodes and listen to more jokes. Go do it.
