Dealing with trolls requires tough resilience: Insights from stand-up comedian Nigel NG
Nigel NG Malaysian comedian Nigel NG, popularly known as Uncle Roger, is performing in India — in Delhi — for the first time. About Uncle Roger, Nigel tells us, “He is that older uncle who just ...
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Nigel NG, the Malaysian comedian also known as Uncle Roger, is set to perform in India, specifically in Delhi, for the first time. Describing Uncle Roger as an older uncle who is opinionated and complains a lot, Nigel notes that his character is relatable across cultures. In a recent conversation with Bangalore Times, he discusses his journey in stand-up comedy, transitioning to social media during the pandemic, handling online criticism, and more.

Nigel shares that he turned to creating online content during the COVID-19 pandemic after losing his income from live stand-up shows due to the closures of comedy clubs. He explains how Uncle Roger was born from his various skills in video editing, filming, humor, and acting, and how the character quickly gained popularity online.

Expressing his appreciation for live performances, Nigel highlights how audiences at live shows disconnect from their phones and engage with the performer for the entire duration of the show. He also expresses his excitement about exploring the diverse food options in India, with trying biryani at the top of his list.

Reflecting on his journey in comedy, Nigel emphasizes the importance of honing one's craft through years of practice and experience before diving into social media. He advises aspiring comedians to focus on developing their skills before sharing their content online.

Lastly, Nigel comments on the changing landscape of comedy, noting that modern comedians often have to take on multiple roles as a one-person production team to succeed in the industry.When you were doing stand-up comedy, you were focused on writing jokes and performing them at comedy clubs. However, now you have to also film and share your jokes to maintain an online presence. There is a lot more to do in order to stay active in the digital world. Growing up, I observed individuals like Uncle Roger who would frequent coffee shops in Malaysia known as kopitiams, sharing their opinions in a knowledgeable yet kind manner.

According to Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng, or Uncle Roger, he believes that those who are easily offended should think twice before engaging on social media platforms. Dealing with trolls requires developing a thick skin, and if someone is sensitive to criticism, social media may not be the best place for them. Ng mentions that he has learned to ignore the negativity on social media, only taking feedback into consideration when it is constructive. He emphasizes the importance of having a resilient attitude towards online interactions.

(Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng, also known as Uncle Roger, is set to bring The Haiyaa World Tour to India in collaboration with BookMyShow Live.)