Every comedian has two versions of themselves: the one you see on the internet, and the one that probably shouldn’t be on the internet. Harman Preet Singh is currently touring the second one.
Known for his calm delivery and those razor-sharp punchlines, Singh has built a tidy little corner of the internet for himself over the last few years. But his new tour, Risky, is where he’s parking the jokes that definitely won’t survive the algorithm. Religion, sex, politics, intrusive thoughts—the whole “maybe this shouldn’t be online forever” starter pack.
Ahead of the tour, that kicks off tomorrow in Delhi (and before any of these jokes get him into trouble), we asked the comedian ten important questions about the show, risky ideas, and the kind of friend you should bring along for moral support.
Quick! What’s the show going to be about?
It’s about jokes that I cannot do ever on the internet, as simple as that. It’s a risky show—jokes about technology, about how dumb I am, about how su*cidal I am, religion, sex, politics. Everything that a corporate show would say no to, that’s what this show is.
How many shows are you doing, across how many cities?
Right now it’s about 10 shows across six cities, but more might get added depending on how my schedule pans out.
How long did you spend writing the show?
Some of these jokes are about two years old. I’ve been workshopping them out for that long. A few of the jokes are still a work in progress because I’m trying to make them slightly more diplomatic. Currently I feel like they’re just my harsh and blunt thoughts. So I’m working on padding them for a more palatable and fun viewing experience over time.
Will you be recording this material for online release?
Never, sir. Maybe two jokes can go online, but I don’t see myself releasing the whole show. Risky is meant to stay a live show that I perform for limited audiences—never more than about 100 people at once. Even when I’m 50, I want to be doing jokes that can never make it to the internet, just so I can enjoy live stand-up the way it’s supposed to be.
Why should people come to watch it live?
Because you can only watch it live. On the internet I’m a little softer, a little more well-spoken and thoughtful. This live show isn’t that. It has its arcs and moments, but it’s definitely not the version of me you’ve seen online.
According to you, who would be the ideal plus-one to bring for this show?
Someone you relate your wrong ideas and thoughts with. The friend who says yes to anything and everything. The kind of person who, if you ask “Galat kaam karega?”, and goes “Haan, bhai. Tere se zyada.”
On a scale of 1–wtfamidoing, how nervous are you?
I’m not that nervous. I just want to be alive by the end of it. Also, I’m not too famous, so I’m really worried about the “wrong” people showing up. On that scale, I’m about a three—which feels like the right amount of nervousness before any tour or show.
Why are you calling the show Risky?
Because the jokes are risky—not wrong. If they were wrong, I could have just called the show Galat. The ideas and thoughts might be right, but they can still do harm. That’s why they’re risky.
How long before you start mining your marriage for jokes?
I’ve had a couple of thoughts about it, but I don’t think I’m going to dig too much into it. I read somewhere that for a happy marriage, you should keep it to yourself. So for now, I’m keeping it to myself. If I get too happy, that’s when I’ll start mining it.
Which is your favourite format show to be a part of?
I’ve been really fond of Nation Wants to Guess. [Gursimran] Khamba’s been an absolute baller with the IP along with Rohan [Desai] and Aman [Jotwani]. And, of course, Anirban [Dasgupta] has been great to watch. I’d love to be part of that sometime. Otherwise, Andha Pyar is always a fun hang with Kaustubh [Agarwal] and Vivek [Samtani]. Madhur Model and Asking for a Friend are fun. I would also like to be a part of Relationshit Advice—anything relationship-based, because I have a lot of dating thoughts and I’ve had my own messed-up experiences being with someone.
You can get your tickets here.
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