Interview: Rarely Asked Questions – Bilal Zafar: Page 2 of 2

6. What do your parents think of your job?

They’re a little bit confused but ultimately seem to be proud overall. I’m lucky. Although my Dad’s friend asked him what I was up to a while ago and he said ‘studying’. I graduated in 2013.  

 

7. What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?

People in social situations finding out what you do and demanding that you tell them a joke. Someone doing something completely normal and then saying ‘you can use that in one of your sketches’. A large group of middle aged men talking all the way through your preview in Leicester. Trains to towns I’ve never heard of being delayed and almost giving me panic attacks. (Apart from that stuff I absolutely love it)       

 

8. I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?

Thank you! I’m nowhere near what I’d like to be. I don’t think I write enough, or take enough risks, I would like to have a lot more confidence in my stranger ideas and I just hope I can get a lot better.

I do think I have potential though, I feel like I’m improving, I’ve certainly grown in confidence since I started as a 21 year old and I expect I’ll think I’m good in about 10 – 20 years.

9. How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?

I earn more than I did when I was a care worker on a 0 hour contract which is nice…but I do really want to be a millionaire and have some sort of stupid sports car one day. Maybe a yellow one.

10. How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?

It’s huge. I won a comedy competition in 2016. I did a decent set, but I was on just after the interval which is the best spot. I’m certain I wouldn’t have won if I was on at any other time. I got signed by my agent off the back of that which was massive for me at the time. Hard work, good luck and making the most of opportunities seems to be the key! (based on documentaries I’ve seen)

I prefer to think of myself as a very lucky person in terms of comedy because it stops me from getting cocky and thinking I deserve or am entitled to stuff.

11. Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into a third category?

I went through a phase of thinking I was an important tortured artist twat type. But I’m so lucky to be doing this stuff and I never imagined I would ever have been able to do it let alone some of the amazing opportunities I get. So I just get on with it and try my best not to moan too much. (But sometimes moaning is fun, innit?) 

12. Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?

Dennis Bergkamp. I’ve read a lot about him and really admire the relentless hard work he put into what he did and how he ended up producing some really beautiful stuff.  

13. Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it's to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response).

NO! I am messy and unorganised. The whole point of drawers and cupboards is to hide stuff. It can be awful in there, just make sure you can close it innit. I feel very strongly about this.    

Tags: 

Articles on beyond the joke contain affiliate ticket links that earn us revenue. BTJ needs your continued support to continue - if you would like to help to keep the site going, please consider donating.

Zircon - This is a contributing Drupal Theme
Design by WeebPal.