‘Rajini and Kamal fused into one statue’: Priyanshu Mishra

CHENNAI: Priyanshu Mishra is a 29-year-old, Chennai based stand-up comic. His routine has an array of various things — from science, religion to his favourite theme existentialism.

So, what’s your Chennai connect?

I have lived here my entire life. Chennai is home.

One thing about namma ooru that you fancy?

The combo of sarakku and oorga is the fanciest part of namma ooru Three things here that can’t be found in any part of the world?

The irreplacable sarakku + oorga combo. Nethili fry by the beach and too far, too near Pondicherry.

Your favourite hangout spot?

My house. #housepartycity

Three stereotypes about the city and the people that make you roll your eyeballs?

That people here aren’t friendly or helpful, it’s just not true. They say people here can be very judgemental, this can be true. That there’s nothing to do in the city, only true if your life and interests revolve around cheap alcohol (these Bangaloreans, I say)

Where would you take a person who is new to the city? Why?

I would take him/her to Besant Nagar beach for some of the yummiest, cheapest and freshest seafood ever.

What would you do to prove someone that you are a true Chennai vasi?

Walk up to them and say vazhapazham correctly.

A Tamil movie dialogue which describes Chennai?

Kabali da! If you had to draw a comparison between chennai and any other city/country...

what would it be? and why?

Chennai is like the Caribbean. It is laid back, deep rooted to the native culture, played by its own rules . It doesn’t burden itself with the concept of modernisation

What is the craziest thing you have ever wanted to do in the city? And where?

Spend a night at the Broken bridge and live to tell about it

If you would like to install another statue in Marina Beach, who would it be?

A statue where Rajini’s and Kamal’s figures fused into one, similar to the ‘Bull and Elephant’ in Marina Beach Describe the city in your own words and style! Chennai, a city full of such loving and peaceful people.

So peaceful, the cops had to set things on fire during the jallikattu protests!