The stand-up comedian and actor on being a bridge between east and west, improving his listening skills and harnessing anger for good
Omid Djalili is an award-winning Iranian-British stand-up comedian and actor, who has performed all over the world, as well as appearing in Hollywood movies such as Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Sex and the City 2. Recent acting roles include Bridget Christie’s husband in the acclaimed Channel 4 series The Change. Djalili’s stand-up engages with issues including politics, national stereotypes and religion. In his new show, Namaste, he promises to “peacefully bow to his inner anger” in exploring the current state of the world.
My morning ritual is …
Lemon juice and ginger – it sets me up for the day and helps flush out the system.
I feel optimistic about …
I see forces of integration and disintegration going on at the same time in the world, and I’m always trying to align with the forces of integration. My conviction is that we’re moving towards maturity.
What makes me angry …
I’m very angry about Gaza, Ukraine, the state of our nation. But it’s good to be angry about the planet and society. It’s just what you do with that anger.
If I wasn’t a comedian, I’d have liked to become …
A professor of English literature. I had an uncle who was an amazing professor at The University of Maryland. He was one of the best lecturers anyone’s ever seen. When I told him I wanted to be a professor but admitted that I’d really like to go into the arts, he said: ‘You should do that. I can reach hundreds doing what I do, but you can reach millions.’
The habit that has served me best in life …
I’ve been trying to practice conscious listening. I don’t jump in. I wait for a little bit of air after the person has finished.
The habit I’ve successfully kicked …
Being distracted by my phone. I put it face-down so I don’t even see it.
‘Happiness comes from serving other people, not from gaining material things. It should be on the national curriculum,’ says Djalili
My sources of joy are …
As you get older you realise not that much brings you joy, but the stuff that does, you really cherish it. Even watching television, which was something I took for granted. Now I’m very selective. I only see good stuff. It’s tremendous to see a friend in something: it’s a double joy that you can get on your phone and congratulate friends.
When things get tough I …
Stay calm. I believe in consultation, meaning that you have to discuss a problem you’re in conflict with other people about. You don’t go in thinking: ‘I’m right and you’re wrong’. You go in thinking: ‘Let’s find the truth together’.
The book I wish everyone would read …
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Miguel Ruiz is a kind of spiritual self-help book. There are a lot of belief systems out there but there also are some universal truths. If you take those four agreements – ‘always be true to your word’, ‘never take things personally’, ‘never assume’ and ‘always try your best’ – then your life will become a little bit more effective.
I see forces of integration and disintegration going on at the same time in the world. My conviction is that we’re moving towards maturity
The big thing I’ve changed my mind about in life …
… is the power of comedy. 9/11 taught me that. Before, I thought comedy was ephemeral, a fun, silly thing to do to make a bit of money and make a few people laugh. My work as an actor in films was way more important. Then 9/11 happened and I felt I had to be this representative, a bridge between east and west. And apparently, in a small way, it had a ripple effect: I was told that I was a voice to bring healing.
What keeps me awake at night …
I’m so busy with work right now, I have my own production company, so my brain is always ticking over.
The thing that motivates me most of all …
I was very well aware that I was the first Middle Eastern comedian doing comedy in the English language. I’m not doing it for my people, I’m doing it for everyone really. But to be a representative gives you extra motivation. You’ve got to be a little bit more careful about what you say. There’s more to navigate but the rewards are bigger as well.
‘I’ve been trying to practice conscious listening. I don’t jump in. I wait for a little bit of air after the person has finished’
My parents taught me …
… that you have to serve humanity. That everything you do should be service-orientated. The other thing was being aware of and taking opportunities: that has always driven me. God helps those who help themselves.
I have this theory that …
… happiness comes from serving other people, not from gaining material things. It should be on the national curriculum.
I’d like to tell my younger self …
… to try your absolute best in everything. If you do that, then you’ll be taken places. Also, to be aware of every single moment on stage; never take it for granted.
Omid Djalili will be touring the UK with Namaste from October. Visit omidnoagenda.com to find out more
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