Nigel NG, a popular Malaysian comedian known as Uncle Roger, is set to perform in India for the first time, specifically in Delhi. Nigel describes Uncle Roger as a character resembling an older uncle who is talkative, a bit irritating as a know-it-all, and frequently complains. According to Nigel, Uncle Roger's relatability stems from embodying a common archetype found in various cultures. In a recent interview with Bangalore Times, Nigel discusses his journey in stand-up comedy, transitioning to online content creation during the pandemic, managing online trolls, and more.
Key Points from the Interview:
- Amidst the COVID pandemic, Nigel pivoted to creating online content after losing his income as a stand-up comedian due to the closure of comedy clubs. Inspired by his passion for comedy, he channeled his skills in video editing, filming, humor, and performance into creating the character of Uncle Roger, which quickly gained popularity.
- Nigel reflects on the unique experience of performing live shows, highlighting the audience's undivided attention and the special connection formed when people engage with his performance without distractions from their phones.
- Expressing his excitement for exploring India, Nigel shares his eagerness to indulge in local cuisine, particularly looking forward to trying various types of biryani.
- He emphasizes the importance of honing one's craft in comedy, suggesting that aspiring comedians should dedicate 3-5 years to developing their skills before venturing into sharing their content online.
- Nigel notes the evolving landscape of comedy, where comedians now take on multifaceted roles as one-man production teams, leveraging social media and online platforms to showcase their talent.Previously, in the realm of stand-up comedy, the focus was on writing jokes and delivering them on stage at a comedy club. However, the scenario has evolved to include the tasks of writing, performing, and recording the jokes in order to maintain an active online presence. This transformation involves a significant amount of work. Reflecting on his upbringing, Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng recalls observing individuals similar to the character of Uncle Roger, wise individuals who frequent coffee shops known as "kopitiams." Ng emphasizes the importance of developing a thick skin to handle online trolls, suggesting that individuals who are easily offended may want to reconsider engaging with social media. Over time, Ng has adjusted to the negativity on social media, highlighting the value of constructive feedback over comments that are best ignored. Ng, also known as Uncle Roger, is set to bring The Haiyaa World Tour to India, with the event organized by BookMyShow Live.
