Kiran Deol literally wore rose-colored glasses
Kiran Deol is a comedian, writer, and performer who has been named one of Entertainment Weekly’s “Asian American Comics to Watch.” She has headlined Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the New York Comedy Festival, San Francisco Sketchfest, and is hot off a run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which the Guardian called “Engrossing…we get charisma and technical prowess from Deol.” She just finished taping her standup special based on the show, called Assault on Comedy. You can find her on Instagram, where she has over 100k followers; and millions of views on her videos. She’s finally getting back on social media again, and would love to see you online, or even better, at a live show!
What were you like as a teen?
There was a year when I wore rose-colored glasses in high school to be more optimistic. They broke. I think this says it all.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
Tutoring, essay writing, and (drum-roll please) documentary filmmaking. All of them gave me insight into other people’s lives and worlds, which probably made me a better writer.
What do you consider to be your biggest comedy achievement to date?
Lincoln Center!
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
Remembering that you are not getting up one time, or ten times, you are getting up 10,000 times. Good or bad, there’s always tomorrow!
Have you ever dealt with trolls?
Yes, of course. I remember that 90% or more of your audience is a silent majority who is not a troll or a heckler. Focus your attention on those folks; they deserve it.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
Have fun, my love.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Voice is everything.
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
“(Insert the latest trend here) is really hot right now…do that!”
How has being funny helped you in your life?
My sense of humor has been a weapon to help me find the funny and light part of life, even when things look or feel dark.
What specific things should a novice comic do to shape their voice?
Pay attention to the things that are wildly honest to you that make other people laugh. What do these things sound like? What do they have in common?
Do you have a writing routine?
Writing work is thinking work, so I try to do it in the most joyful ways possible: over lunches, on walks, through voice notes; and with as little time in front of the computer as possible.
What is your go-to show or movie when you’ve had a bad day?
I will try to watch something new and great. It reminds me why I love art, and why I do this.
What single word always cracks you up?
Cunt.