Singapore's most famous drag queen Kumar is set to take the stage in Kings & Queens of Comedy, which is going to run at the Esplanade on the 2nd and 3rd of November. Here he talks about racism in Singapore, the Amy Cheong case and how he thinks sex is taboo.
KUMAR
You’re perhaps the most recognizable entertainer in Singapore. Has that been a blessing or curse so far for you?
So far, it’s been good being recognized for my profession. The irritating part is, when you go out shopping for example, people will stop & ask me for a joke. Do I look like a vending machine?
Do you have any hair-raising episodes from being recognized by the public?
There was a time when this old Indian couple stopped me in my tracks & called me Gurmit Singh. Ha Ha!
You always are one who says it as it is, with a no holds barred approach in your material. However, are there subjects that are totally taboo to you?
Basically, I’ve tried to cover all aspects of everyday Life, people, religion, some politics ( local & international), races, emotions. But I really don’t actually talk in detail about SEX. I feel that it’s a very personal matter between 2 persons.
Have you encountered people who’ve been insulted or hurt by your material in your stand up comedy, through these years?
Yes, as a matter of fact, many times. You see, most Singaporeans like to laugh at others , but not to be laughed at. Why then go to a Comedy Show?
You once told a tale on an Indian talk show about how a Caucasian foreigner wasn’t queuing, and when you stepped in to ask this person to queue properly, he shouted at you to “Go back home!”. What is your impression about the foreign talent situation here in Singapore?
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