"You Have to Respond to the Audience, Not Plan a Set of Moves Always" - Ash Chandler, Entertainer

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Entertainment | July 25, 2018 | Interview

Ash Chandler - entertainer, host, emcee, stand-up comedian gives us the lowdown on what is it to return to the Indian entertainment scene after long and how has the journey been so far. The pioneer of stand-up comedy in India made his comeback at WOW Awards Asia 2018 and recalls how things have changed.

You are considered the Pioneer for Stand-up Comedy in India. Trace us back to your first stand-up comedy event in India, and what challenges you had to overcome then?

That's a funny one. I'd actually moved to India from Los Angeles to release an album for Magnasound as a singer. Since I was also doing stand up there, it was suggested that I try in India. Between the show with Wizcraft at the 1900's in Mumbai to Jazz by the bay and a three-hour gig at AD Singh's Offbeat Cafe at the Phoenix Mills, those were the first gigs for me and really, I could tell that people were aware of the genre but had not witnessed it live. I will never forget the Lady who said: " Young man, you were very good but aren't they going to be upset with you for not calling the performer?" That's when it hit me that in India, a performance meant music or dancing and since I am also a singer, I started adding music to act and today India has shaped me into the entertainer I am. I love being able to do it all and since I was there at the beginning I could make the rules. 

You’re a stand-up comedian, singer and anchor. Would you say this has helped you in your LIVE Events career or is specialising in one genre of entertainment more beneficial?

There is a time and place for everything. If I'm at a Comedy Club, then it's better to keep it to Stand Up but in my experience, most corporate shows/ weddings etc are very conducive to a multi-pronged approach. I find that humour really opens people up to paying attention. Similarly, I use music to bring an element of performance to any act. You have to react to the audience. It's like dancing with a partner. You have to respond to them, not plan a set of moves always. 

I think that if you are able to do it why hold back? It is important for the genres to be seamless. I see myself as an entertainer which means I will do whatever I can to make the audience entertained.  

What according to you are the perfect kinds of events that can benefit from your versatility as an artist? Can you give an example of a recent event?

Most events can benefit from an artist who is well rounded but in my case, most events which have a multicultural/multinational or multi-ethnic crowd need a performer who is well exposed and versatile. The fact that I speak several languages is a huge plus in creating an inclusive environment. Also, the mix of mix of music/ humour and humanity is a very effective way of conveying the message of the evening. The 10 year anniversary of the WOW Awards recently is a great example of how the various facets work together.

You’ve spent the recent past focusing on your acting and singing career. How do you see this benefiting/adding new oomph into your LIVE event gigs?

Music movies and popular culture are usually great common denominators in audiences. My own background in Film/ Theater and music is something which I am able to draw upon regularly to make my shows more engaging and inclusive.

To book Ash Chandler for your events, please reach out to him on: bookings@ashchandler.com.