Exclusive Interview -Stand-up Comedian Ali Hasan

Do What You Love, and the Money Will Come….

                                                                        Ali Hasan

Ali Hassan is a Stand-Up Comedian, Actor and Radio & Television celebrity. He is the host of Laugh Out Loud on CBC Radio & SIRIUSXM.  He was also the Lead Comedy Panelist on CBC Television’s George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, recording over 165 episodes since 2012.   He is a Canadian Comedy Award Nominee (2013) who has performed at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, JFL42 in Toronto and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival.   Ali was also featured in the films French Immersion, Breakaway and GOON. You can look him up at his website www.StandUpAli.com.

Here’s an exclusive interview as given to Usha Pudukkotai:

What was it about comedy that made you think, this is where I belong?

You know that feeling you get when you make one person laugh….that was great, and it’s enough for most people.  But it wasn’t enough for me.  I really felt at my best when I was making groups of people laugh, and stand-up comedy fed that.

At the start of your career, you could probably speak as an outsider to celebrity culture, but now you're inside of it. Does that shift change your material?

Sure. My comedy is pretty honest, so sometimes I let people “behind the wall” and let them know what a daily struggle can be, even for someone now experiencing celebrity.  For example, the other day I had to drive myself to the bank!  God knows where my chauffeur disappeared to.  I’m kidding – I have the same struggles as everyone does, but sometimes, for the sake of your reputation, you have to maintain a certain image.  I’m learning how to strike a balance between the inside and outside. 

You’ve worked in movies as well – do you enjoy working on-stage or in front of the camera?

They are both completely different muscles. On stage I get an instant reaction (although there are definitely people who get home and then say “Oh, I get it now!”).  In front of the camera involves a lot of “hurry up and wait” which can be boring at best, frustrating at worst.  As someone who gets instant gratification on stage, I’ve had to adjust to the waiting around of the television and film world.

A lot of people our age who want to get into comedy don’t know how to do it financially or otherwise. Your career path is impressive. How did you make this possible? 

I embraced poverty.  Ha!  If you’re worried about your mortgage and your car payments and things like that, this probably isn’t the life you should get into.  I worked hard and was patient.  I also had a lot of support from family and friends.   

In your opinion who are the funniest international comedians right now? And who are your favourite local comics?

Internationally, I see 2 of my favorites, Bill Burr and Jim Gaffigan enjoying a great time in their careers. They are at the top of their games. Amy Schumer, Kevin Hart, Gabriel Iglesias also come to mind.   And there are so many newer (10 years or less) comics who are getting development deals and shows of their own because of their talent.  I can’t speak as knowledgeably about comedians outside of North America, but every year at Just for Laughs I get to see powerful performers from the UK, Ireland and Australia.

Locally, there are so many strong comedians in Toronto. Three friends come to mind immediately - Dave Merheje, Alex Pavone and K Trevor Wilson are all incredible and would be able to perform anywhere in the world. 

Do you enjoy smaller clubs or do your prefer big gatherings?

An intimate comedy club is a great experience for me and the type of comedy I do, engaging with people in the audience.  But a 1000+ seater brings its own type of joy.  It’s not easy (or necessarily advisable) to interact with people, but when groups that big laugh in unison, it’s a very powerful feeling. 

Can you please tell us about your upcoming projects?

I just got hired to be the head writer on a new comedy project in Toronto. I’m sworn to secrecy (by which I mean contractually obliged to keep my mouth shut) but it’s a great project that is going to get quite a lot of attention in the New Year!

I also just co-wrote a pilot for a show with my friend Dave Merheje.  It’s gotten a lot of positive attention, including an offer to commission the pilot by a Toronto production company. 

I’m also doing some recurring roles on a PBS Kids show called Odd Squad.  And I’m doing a lot of stand-up comedy.  If all goes well, I should be doing a comedy tour in Vancouver in November or January. 

You're also a celebrity chef. How do you manage to juggle two careers?

The whole idea is to not juggle them at all, eventually – once I have a food television show, I’ll be able to perfectly meld both of those careers together!

What's your favourite meal to cook?

Well, that answer changes every week…but because it’s getting cold at night, I’m really happy making spicy Thai or Malay curries right now.

Outside of your career, what is your passion?

I have performing, cooking, my family and my friends.  There’s a 4^th child on the way in February (yikes!), so I literally don’t have time for any other passions! 

Any other message for our readers?

All the clichés have become clichés for a reason…but the one I’ve always held dearest is to do what you love, and the money will come. Also, men – enjoy your hair while you have it.