Talking Gulab Jamun’s, Turkey & Comedy with West London’s Brit Asian Comedian Hyde Panaser & if he's a mummy's boy or not!
BY HARMEET VIRDI | JAN 26, 2010
Q. Ok, it’s been bugging me….why the name “Hyde”?
A. Panaser is my surname! No relation to Monty (Panesar – the cricketer) whatsoever! But I spell my surname differently from him so now English people get to spell it but all the wrong way round! I use to DJ and MC so I called myself Jekyll & Hyde, so one person doing two things, sort of like two personalities within one person. There was thought behind that instead of just DJ H etc. Hence the name Hyde Panaser.
Q. So do you come from a family of carpenter’s given that you are a Panaser?! No carpentry for you then....
A. (Laughs) – I was born with a hammer in my hand! My dad’s really good with DIY, so am I! Funnily enough I bought a set of screwdrivers from Maplin I came home & I found the same set on my Bed, I thought hang on a sec, I didn’t just take that out of my bag that fast! Just goes to show, I really am my dad’s son at least I’m not the milkman’s!
Q. What is your actual name?
A. Hardeep.
Q. What nicknames did you have in school?
A. Harry, which is the normal one. No other names at home, I would tell you if I had one like Bobby or Haddi, but no nicknames! Only outside the house – just Hyde!
Q. Were you always the joker in the pack?
A. Yeah I can be sarcastic, my humour’s quite dry but with a cheeky way to it! I was the joker I guess, more at University not so much at School. When I went into Society and smelt the Havvah (air) I was like "Oh this is who I am"!
Q. So you’re a stand up comedian? And you run the comedy show Humili-Asian? Are you a solo act? The name “Humili-Asian” – does that stand for anything?
A. I am, I’m working for sketch show for Humili-Asian as well, and that’s exclusive by the way! Nobody knows that! I set it up to go into stand up comedy and then I though let me do a charity night to see if it works. We ended up getting around 130 people in this venue in Ealing which was only for 80 people (Typical Asians for you)!! It was my first gig and I did an hour set. It’s the “Humiliation of Asians” so hence the name “Humili-Asian”. I also do the Comedy Couch, there is a lot of talent out there for comedians. I try to get a new person on for each show. Old, new and professional comedians, with the comedy couch I wanted to branch out for all comedians, not just Asians.
Q. How long have you been on the comedy scene?
A. 2 years now, started in December 2007, it’s the anniversary this week! (Woohoo)! I use to DJ Garage music and radio for Westside Radio, then it all progressed into Comedy. I did IG1 bar in Ilford, but I hear it’s closed down now, obviously has nothing to do with the fact that after we performed there it closed! I wana take the show Humili-Asian across England, not just in West London but to Leicester, Birmingham, all over.
Q. Are your family also comedians?! Or is it just you?
A. Yeah my mum’s Dawn French! But I’m a lot browner hence using the Vicco Vajradanti to make my skin darker – No just kidding. Though yy Dad’s an undercover comedian. He can be quite serious but he can be really funny. Mum’s a joker too. They have never seen me perform. If they had they would be saying (in an Indian accent) “that’s not my son”, “he’s not getting married”.
Q. What’s your favourite punchline?
A. OK BYE! (In an asian accent) I’ve been known for using that a lot, Asians use that a hell of a lot.
Q. Lee Evans or Peter Kay?
A. Lee Evans, I love his energy. There is genius in that madness of his. Whatever he says is for a reason, all his actions are just spot on.
Q. How about doing a double act with Chris Rock?
A. Hmm he’s very angry. But he’s very funny. I’m a cheeky comedian, I say what other people are thinking. I would like to open for him, maybe it would make a good ying and yang type of pairing as he wouldn’t do what I do and I wouldn’t do what he does. He’s very political but funny.
Q. What do you think of Russell Peters? Would you like to tour around the world and become a world class comedian?
A. I love Russell Peters. I would love to tour if I ever got to do that. I don’t know if you can become world class. The way he does accents are spot on and they appeal to so many different people. At the moment, I’m happy where I am. I am actually a graphic designer by day and comedian by night.
Q. What about acting in films like 'Bend It Like Beckham' or 'The Guru'?
A. Funny thing is I do a joke about speed dating in my acts. So I’ve actually done a part in Gurinder Chadha’s new film 'Happily Ever After Life' releasing early next year in which I am in a speed dating scene. It’s something that I would like to get into.
Q. Who rubs you up the wrong way?
A. Probably the Masseuse who put their hands where they shouldn’t be. I’m actually fairly easy going. Oh my ex girlfriends rub me up the wrong way. People mainly who have bad attitudes and act like rude boys.
Q. Are you afraid of creepy crawlies?
A. I hate spiders! But if I have to catch one and kill it, I do it! You need the tissue otherwise the blood gets into the Magnolia walls us Asians have.
Q. Mummy’s boy or daddy’s boy?
A. This could harm my bachelorism…Ooooh. My mum’s a real joker so we are on the same level, my dad’s ok, but also a joker. Me & mum can have more of a banter. That’s the only way I am answering that.
Q. Are you married?
A. No.
Q. What type of woman appeals to you?
A. Intelligent, sophisticated and Independent. I don’t always want to tell her what to do. Attraction is important but it’s more personality for me.
Q. Any words of wisdom?
A. From me?! Are you having a laugh?! Whatever you’re doing make sure you’re doing it because you love doing it rather than doing it because you have to.
To keep up to date with what's Hyde Panaser and where he will be performign next be sure to check out the following websitewww.hydepanaser.com and/or www.humili-asian.com. You can also follow Hyde on Twitter @hydepanaser. Hyde also has an audio blog: www.audioboo.com/profile/hydeboo
