OMID Djalili, Hollywood's favourite "anti-hero comedian" is set to tickle Malaysian fans this Sept 20.
The award-winning British-Iranian actor-comedian, who will also perform in Singapore the following day, is best known for his sitcom 'Small Potatoes' on the United Kingdom's Channel 4.
He also starred in his own comedy series, 'The Omid Djalili Show', and in Hollywood comedienne Whoopi Goldberg's sitcom, 'Whoopi'.
Some of the Hollywood movies he's appeared in include 'The Mummy', 'Gladiator', 'Spy Game', 'Notting Hill', 'Pirates Of The Caribbean 3' and 'Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow'.
DIVERSITY
The multiple-award-winning comedian is touring Malaysia and Singapore with LOL Asia and his tour, titled 'Namaste', will see him masterfully combine humour with poignant observations from his life experiences as an Asian in Europe.
In a recent interview, Omid said: "I'm thrilled to bring 'Namaste' to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, cities rich with culture and diversity.
"I can't wait to share my stories and laughs with their vibrant, multi-cultural audiences."
Omid also said that comedy was a powerful tool for expressing serious issues and bridged divides around the world.
Omid has been active in humanitarian causes and has used his comedy platform to raise funds for the people of Gaza among others.
"This is my visit to Malaysia in an official capacity, and first time as a tourist too.
"I have a couple of friends from Malaysia who live in London."
GOOD FOOD
He added: "This is the best thing about being a stand-up comedian.You get to go places.
"And Malaysia has always been on my bucket list because it has friendly people and good food."
Becoming a comedian was not his childhood dream.
"Nobody encouraged me to become a comedian. But then my wife suggested that I do comedy.
"After 9/11 it became culturally relevant for me to do it. It is now the most important thing in my life," he said.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG
Omid has not met Malaysian comedians but he loves Ronnie Chieng, Douglas Lim and Harith Iskander.
"In the West, I love Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Pryor, George Carlin and Chris Rock.
"I love those who have viewpoints and go all out to express them."
CHALLENGE
Omid admitted that the materials he must gather is the hardest challenge for a comedian.
"I have to prepare all my acts well. I must wait a long time for a laugh. It is not easy to do this.
"Coming up with materials that connect with the audience is never easy.
"You cannot afford to be not funny. We are mostly serious. But the fans want us to be funny."
He added that a funnyman must land ideas and thoughts with laughter all the time.
Omid would love to do a TV show about comedians here and believes that funniest person could be living in a small Malaysian village.
JACKSON FIVE
Omid has had many memorable performances, but he fondly remembers one in Grosvenor House Hotel in the United Kingdom a decade ago.
"It was a charity event. The guests were dancing and the Jackson Five was there.
"Suddenly some people in the crowd shouted to me, 'bring back Jermaine Jackson'.
"I told them that this cannot be done as he had exited the building with his band."
Some of the people got angry and chased after Omid.
He got out of the back door and quickly jumped into a taxi.
KING CHARLES
One of Omid's most famous fans is King Charles of the United Kingdom.
"I entertained him for his birthday, in fact a few of his birthdays when he was still Prince Charles.
"He enjoyed it. I admit that I blundered along the way. Yet he still enjoyed it.
"Actually I was making fun of him. But he was perfectly all right with the ribbing I gave him.
"Later, he said 'Keep it up'."
ORLANDO BLOOM
At year's end, Omid will have his very own situational comedy and will also star in a movie with Orlando Bloom titled 'Deep Cover'.
"If I had not become a comedian I would have been an actor.
"Robin Williams whom I greatly admire was a great comedian and actor as well.
"I guess I would have been like him," he said.
"To be an actor you must be an all-rounder, starring in various types of films and programmes.
"Acting is a big passion of mine, so I guess I would have been an actor, either a funny or serious one."
Tickets for the 8.30pm show at the HGH Convention Centre in Sentul are available at https://lolasia.bigtix.io/.