What happens when one of the world’s biggest comedians swaps Hollywood for a flip phone and a quieter life?
Comedian, writer, actor and director Aziz Ansari joins Romesh Ranganathan for a wide-ranging conversation about stand-up, identity, culture, creativity and getting older.
From selling out Madison Square Garden to creating one of the most renowned Netflix comedy-dramas, Master of None, Aziz reflects on the pressure of chasing great work. He discusses his career from starting in stand-up, to Parks And Recreation, to directing his new film Good Fortune starring Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen, looking at how the comedy scene has changed over time.
The pair also discuss growing up in immigrant families, blending cultures, working with parents and all-things UK, from settling in to football culture. Plus Aziz's passion for cooking and cookbooks.
As always expect an unhinged questions from Shanthi and a good game of Misquoted finish.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform.
00:00 Intro
03:39 Have Aziz and Rom met?
04:05 Tamil and blending cultures
12:38 On age
13:38 A gift for Aziz
15:49 Can Aziz handle hot sauce?
17:20 Moving to the UK
18:05 Football
19:22 On Master of None
25:55 Parents and support
31:34 Working with parents
34:09 A question from Shanthi
36:10 Selling out Madison Square Garden
37:00 Finding creative balance
39:22 Stand up in New York
43:56 How has Aziz’s standup changed?
50:50 On Parks And Recreation
57:10 How hard is it to make a movie?
1:01:57 Chasing your best work
1:03:42 Misquoted
1:12:30 An exclusive
1:15:25 Outro
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices