One of the finest standup comedians in India, Daniel Fernandes, uses his wit and humour to take on challenging subjects. From current affairs to social taboos, and even his own mental health, he’s performed it all. Ahead of his upcoming tour in India, Lessons, take three minutes to get to know the man behind the comedy.
Contextualize yourself in one line.
Dark, intelligent and family friendly!
Why do you do what you do?
To be free.
What is your first memory of interacting with/experiencing comedy?
My Dad, making people around him laugh.
The first job you were hired for?
Hosting a New Year’s Eve party in Goa.
Do you remember your first standup gig? What was that like?
January 27, 2011. I was performing at a cultural event during my MBA to an audience of 300 students who knew me. I remember standing backstage, not being able to feel my feet, and thinking to myself, “If I can do this, I can do anything”
What is the last thing you do before you get on stage?
Make sure my zipper’s up!
Tools to overcome a creative block?
I strongly recommend herbal meditation.
Tools to tackle a tough crowd?
Sharp wit, presence of mind, and a gun.
Your favourite subject and why?
Life, because it is one big setup, and we are the punchline.
Views on creative freedom and censorship? Where do you draw the line?
I think people who want to control what other people can say should be made to do stand-up. I draw the line far beyond the peak intellectual capacity of the stupidest person in the room.
An event from the past that has had the most influence on you?
My Dad’s passing. It has changed me forever in a way that I’m still trying to process.
The one artist whom you can’t stop admiring?
George Carlin.
What three things would people be surprised to know about you?
I love spinach and broccoli. I have a twin brother who’s a DJ. I can reach an itch anywhere on my body.
Three people, living or dead, you’d want in the front row of your show?
Sofia Vergara, Dwayne Johnson and my dad.
Lastly, your new show is called Lessons; what is one lesson you’d like to pass on?
“Be kind to animals you can’t eat”
Words Ayushie Shahane
13.06.2025