Nigel NG, a Malaysian comedian popularly known as Uncle Roger, is performing in Delhi, India for the first time. Describing Uncle Roger, Nigel explains, “He is like that older uncle who talks a lot and complains often, portraying the annoying know-it-all character that many can relate to across cultures.” In a conversation with Bangalore Times, Nigel discusses his transition from stand-up comedy to creating content online during the pandemic, coping with trolls, and more. Here are some key points from the discussion:
- Nigel started creating online content during the COVID pandemic, which quickly gained popularity. When comedy clubs shut down due to the pandemic, he lost his main source of income and had to adapt to the new circumstances. Uncle Roger was born from Nigel's various skills in video editing, filming, joke writing, and acting, leading to his online success.
- Nigel values live shows because they provide a unique connection with the audience, who set aside their phones to fully engage with the performance. This undivided attention makes live performances special for him.
- Nigel is excited to explore the diverse culinary offerings in India, with trying biryani at the top of his list.
- Nigel emphasizes the importance of practice and experience in becoming a skilled comedian, suggesting aspiring comedians devote three to five years to honing their craft before focusing on online content creation.
- He notes the changing landscape for comedians, highlighting the need for comedians to be versatile and take on multiple roles in producing their content.When you were performing stand-up comedy, you mainly focused on writing jokes and delivering them at comedy clubs. However, once you transitioned to creating an online presence, the workload increased significantly. Along with writing and performing jokes, you now also have to film them. This requires more effort and time management to maintain a strong online presence.
Growing up, I often observed individuals similar to Uncle Roger, who would hold court at coffee shops - or "kopitiams" as we call them in Malaysia. They may come off as know-it-alls, but at heart, they are kind individuals.
According to Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng, also known as Uncle Roger, he believes that individuals who are easily offended should reconsider engaging in social media. Dealing with online trolls necessitates developing a thick skin. Nigel Ng advises that if a comment provides constructive feedback, it should be acknowledged; otherwise, it is best to ignore it. Despite encountering negativity on social media, he has learned to navigate through it over time.
Uncle Roger, portrayed by Nigel Ng, will be bringing The Haiyaa World Tour to India, organized by BookMyShow Live.
