Vir Das

“Time management is the mantra of my life.”

“If you are known to do something well, people want to see you do that. But what you choose to do is up to you. After 'Delhi Belly,' I got some 40 scripts - some on the same lines as 'Delhi Belly.' So, I guess people only get stereotyped if they want to.”

“I'm a stand-up comedian-turned-actor-turned-vampire at night.”

“You realise the responsibility of carrying a film on your shoulders when people are investing money in you and they recognise the hard work you have to put in.”

“I fear debt. I don't like being indebted to banks. I have a rule in life that I will get it when I can afford it.”

“'Badmaash Company' and 'Delhi Belly' was about friends, and I was part of the gang. And yes, they did have stars playing the lead! You do need a star to sell a film; and playing the second lead doesn't bother me.”

“Anybody with a sharp brain and a mic can become a comedian, but there's a need to move beyond it. The audience wants to witness the marriage of theatre, comedy and something more.”

“For me, it is very important to believe in the kind of movies I do. 'Rang De Basanti' made me feel good about Indian cinema. The movie instilled in me a confidence so strong, that I wanted to be a part of the revolution in Bollywood.”

“I auditioned nine times for 'Delhi Belly,' and it was torturous!”

“Whether I am on a stage, behind a guitar or in front of a camera, I get paid to misbehave. Fortunately, misbehaviour is something I have unlimited supply of.”

“Whatever movies I sign, they have to get me out of my comfort zone. Otherwise, I would get bored very easily.”

“Alien Chutney is just what the name suggests it is. Its music that is so funny and quirky and weird that it feels entirely alien to the listener; yet, the content and the subject matter is so Indian and relatable, it's still chutney.”

“Comedy comes from confusion.”

“A stand-up comedian will never be the life of a party. Instead, he will be the guy who is standing at a corner and observing people.”

“I was only 24 years old when a lady called Sabina Sehgal Saikia - the then 'Delhi Times' editor - asked me to host the 'Times Food Guide Awards,' so it was with The 'Times of India' that my career began in this field.”

“In Bollywood, I think Boman Irani and Vinay Pathak are unbelievably good at comedy.”

“My personal favorite is Woody Allen, who is just amazing as a comedian.”

“Women do come up to me after a show, but it's usually to say, 'Yhank you for making us laugh,' and all that.”

“I am a big fan of Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller, who have carved a niche for themselves. I think doing different kind of films gives you longevity and the ability to set yourself apart.”

“I have a rule - 'funny is funny!' When I write comedy, it's not my aim to upset people. I will be offensive, edgy and immature, but I will also be very intelligent and relevant. At my shows, there are no holy cows.”