Hyderabad: Amidst the Comic Con extravaganza of superheroes, anime characters, and pop culture enthusiasts was Azeem Banatwalla, effortlessly blending in with his green Star Wars sweatshirt featuring a Yoda silhouette and the Jedi master’s iconic line, “Do or do not. There is no try.”
Taking the stage to an eager audience, the comedian brought his signature thoughtful humour to the event. His comedy, much like the comics and pop culture on display, combines sharp observations with relatable narratives. After his performance, Azeem sat down with Deccan Chronicle to share his thoughts on comedy, identity, and why performing in Hyderabad always feels special.
Q: You came dressed in a Star Wars outfit today. Is dressing up part of the Comic Con experience for you?
Yes, Comic Con is one of the few events where I really think about what I’m going to wear. I have to look cool, but it also needs to have some pop culture relevance. This time, I went with Star Wars.
Q: You often refer to yourself as a “minor celebrity.” What’s the story behind that?
Initially, I spoke about issues relating to my identity or societal problems in my comedy. I felt it was important to represent those voices. But after a while, it gets exhausting. Now, I’ve decided to step back from that space a little and focus on other aspects of my comedy.
Q: Your show Minority Celebrity was reviewed as your "best work yet" and even called a tragicomedy. How does that make you feel?
That’s a fair description. The show explores the idea of success versus personal expectations. Being a celebrity is often equated with success, but on a personal level, you might still feel like an imposter or a failure. The show combines storytelling with stand-up to explore those feelings.
Q: Google describes you as a YouTuber instead of a comedian. What do you think about that?
I feel personally affronted! But it’s understandable. People often discover comedians through online videos, so terms like “content creator” or “YouTuber” are inevitable. It’s not entirely wrong, but live comedy will always be my first love.
Q: You released a pay-per-view show on OnlyFans. How did that happen?
I was looking for a platform that gave me the best revenue model for a pay-per-view show, and OnlyFans turned out to be the most viable option. It was also a fun gimmick to grab attention. I enjoy experimenting and doing things that haven’t been done before.
Q: Comedy and free speech in India seem precarious. How do you approach sensitive topics?
While there are restrictions, they’re often exaggerated. Yes, there are societal pressures, but you can still say a lot if you’re smart about it. The key is crafting material with nuance and intelligence. As a comedian, you develop the skill to balance entertainment with sensitivity.
Q: Mob mentality has affected comedy in India. How do you navigate that?
It’s unpredictable, which is why I’m careful with how I write. I avoid targeting specific groups and focus on sharing my own experiences. Comedy is about spreading joy and making people think — not offending them.
Q: You’ve performed at international festivals like the Melbourne Comedy Festival. How does that experience compare?
Performing internationally is a fantastic experience. You face diverse audiences, so you can’t rely on local references or language. It pushes you to focus purely on your craft, which makes you a better comedian.
Q: What brings you to Comic Con this year?
Comic Con itself! I’ve had a great relationship with Comic Con over the last five or six years. It’s a fun space where geeks and misfits can come together and celebrate what they love.
Q: How do you find performing in Hyderabad?
Hyderabad audiences are amazing. They’re so hungry for comedy and always ready to laugh. Shows here fill up the fastest, and the audiences make it so easy for comedians. It’s always a pleasure performing here.
Q: Have you ever hesitated with a joke, only to find it resonating with the audience?
Yes, actually. Today, I tried a silly joke about Hyderabad being “Gautham City” as a play on Gotham City. Everyone backstage told me not to do it, but it worked well enough! Sometimes the silliest jokes land the best.
Q. Any final thoughts?
Hyderabad has always been a special city for me. I love the energy and enthusiasm of the audiences here. It’s always a joy to perform, and I look forward to coming back soon!
