Comedy is about telling the truth: Russell Peters
Feb 11,2015
New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) Comedy is about telling the truth in a funny way, says world-famous stand-up comedian Russell Peters, ahead of his multi-city tour in India, where a group of humorists are currently facing criticism for showcasing an insult comedy show.
Peters, whose Almost Famous World Tour, will be staged in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, as part of the Stage42 Festival organised by Only Much Louder, says he's aware of the "growing comedy scene" in India.
"It's great that that's happening. Unfortunately, I'm not really familiar with all the guys that are doing it," Peters told IANS in an email interaction.
Born in Toronto to Eric and Maureen Peters, the funnyman is of Anglo-Indian descent. His late father lived in Mumbai and later migrated to Canada.
Peters often features personal incidents and stories in his comic acts, and says: "I don't think there's anything that I do that would 'hurt' someone's feelings".
"Comedy is about telling the truth and people can tell if you're just trying to be mean. They can sense your intent. My intent is just to be funny.
"Everything I talk about is real and based on things that have happened to me or my friends. The audience always knows when you're lying, so never lie to them," added the 44-year-old entertainer, who has regaled comedy lovers across the globe.
When he started performing stage shows back in 1989, Peters was just 18 years old and says he started doing stand-up comedy because he had always wanted to it. And he does it well -- considering the record-setting attendance he draws with his shows.
But he says he didn't choose to be a comedian "to set records".
"I started doing stand-up because I had to. It was a calling. If you're doing stand-up for fame or to get rich, you're doing it for the wrong reasons. I've been doing this for 26 years now," he said.
For now, he's upbeat about enthralling the "energetic" Indian audience.
"I love India. I'm not just saying that. It makes me happy just to be there. There's no other place in the world that has the energy that India has. I live in Malibu but would be very happy living in Bombay (Mumbai)," Peters said.
He feels his Indian fans "are very smart and aware of the world".
"They have a good understanding of not just India but the rest of the world as well."
Peters is due to perform in the Delhi-NCR on Valentine's Day Feb 14 at Expocentre Noida, and then proceed to Hyderabad Feb 17, followed by Chennai Feb 19, Bengaluru Feb 21, and in Mumbai Feb 22 and 23.
When he's not travelling and performing, the humorist loves to spend time with his Crystianna, his four-year-old daughter with his former wife Monica Diaz, thanks to whom he has seen Oscar-winning Hollywood animation film "Frozen" about "two thousand times".
Otherwise, he has no time for films -- whether Hollywood or Bollywood.
"I don't have time to watch Hollywood films, let alone Bollywood films...I never grew up watching Bollywood movies; it just wasn't a thing in our house," he said.
Top Stories
Salman Khan Recalls Jail Days on Bigg Boss: '70 People Shared One Bathroom,' Emotional Story Goes Viral
Aug 03,2026
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan made a special appearance on the reality show 'Alliance', currently streaming on Prime Video, to support his brother Sohail Khan. During an interaction with contestants, Salman reflected on his past jail experiences, sharing details about the harsh
Bhumi Pednekar: Trolled over her reaction in support of PM Modi; users said, "You should stop thinking..."
Aug 03,2026
Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar has found herself at the center of a social media controversy after sharing a video criticizing the use of abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent protest. While some users supported her appeal for respectful public discourse,
Kangana Ranaut Shares Childhood Photo as Sita Amid CJP Row, Says 'Blessings to Liberals'
Jul 31,2026
Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has once again grabbed headlines after sharing childhood photographs of herself dressed as Goddess Sita on social media. The post comes amid her ongoing verbal exchanges surrounding the CJP controversy, with Kangana writing a brief but pointed caption: "My
'Jan Nayagan' Movie Review: Vijay's Final Film Is Overshadowed by Politics, 3-Hour Runtime Tests Patience
Jul 23,2026
Vijay's much-awaited farewell film, Jan Nayagan, arrives with massive expectations, marking the superstar's final appearance on the big screen before his full-time political journey. While fans hoped for an unforgettable send-off, director H. Vinoth delivers a film where political messag
Jantar Mantar Protest: From R. Madhavan to Alia Bhatt, Celebrities Rally Behind Students; Here's What They Said
Jul 23,2026
The nationwide outrage over the alleged NEET paper leak has intensified, with thousands of students staging protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and demonstrations spreading across Mumbai and several other cities. Protesters are demanding a transparent investigation into the examination cont
Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' Creates Box Office Storm: Two Major Tamil Films Postponed as Fans Celebrate Thalapathy's Final Movie
Jul 16,2026
The excitement surrounding Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated film 'Jana Nayagan' has reached unprecedented levels ahead of its July 23, 2026 release. Widely believed to be Vijay's final film before entering full-time politics, the movie has prompted two Tamil filmmakers to postpone
Salman Khan’s New House Approved: Is He Finally Leaving Galaxy Apartments After 52 Years?
Jun 30,2026
Rumours about Salman Khan leaving his iconic Galaxy Apartments residence have been making headlines after reports claimed the Bollywood superstar was preparing to move into a new luxury home in Bandra. However, the reality is quite different. While the Khan family's sea-facing Bandra prop
Security Breach Involving Arbaaz Khan: Intruder Jumps Into Actor’s Car, Removed by Bouncer
Jun 17,2026
Actor Arbaaz Khan recently found himself at the center of a security scare during a public event in Kolkata. A video from the incident has gone viral on social media, showing an unidentified man allegedly forcing his way into the actor's car as he was leaving the venue.The unexpected inci
Entertainment News
Salman Khan’s New House Appr
Jun 30,2026
Security Breach Involving Arba
Jun 17,2026
‘Happy Birthday to the Queen
Jun 17,2026
Kangana Ranaut Breaks Silence
Jun 12,2026
Anupam Kher Scolds David Dhawa
Jun 04,2026