Ashish Vidyarthi interview: On turning a stand-up comic with ‘Sit Down Ashish’ and more

Actor Ashish Vidyarthi dives into stand-up comedy, sharing laughs, life lessons, and inspiration with audiences across India

Ashish Vidyarthi is a name that resonates with cinema lovers. Known for his versatility, he can be the chilling antagonist, the disciplined father figure, the witty detective, or any distinct supporting character. After solidifying his reputation as a veteran actor with over four decades’ experience, including 300-plus films in 11 languages, Asish, 59, continues to seek new avenues.

After turning a vlogger and motivational speaker, the National Film Award recipient’s latest interest is stand-up comedy. Ashish has already performed over 70 shows this year across India, including in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

“I am naturally enthusiastic about life and eager to explore its many facets. I am a firm believer in hope. I want people to stay connected with hope because when we have hope, we invest in ourselves,” he says, when we interview him during his recent visit to Madurai for the ‘Sit Down Ashish’ special.

Despite 40 years of stardom, Ashish says he still faces criticism and attempts to bring him down. “Whenever you strive to do something different, there’s always a group of people who will say, ‘That’s enough, sit down.’” But he doesn’t want to sit down. “I’ll stand up and do comedy,” he says. His goal is not just to make people laugh but offer something that they can relate to. “I see my stand-up comedy as a way for people to laugh in the moment, and when they leave, to take away something that allows them to smile even when life seems to frown upon them,” he adds.

While embarking on a new journey as a comedian, he emphasises the importance of being open to new territories. “I have always been pushing boundaries since the start of my career. I made an effort to step into Kollywood while I was working on Hindi movies, and later ventured into Telugu cinema. That’s how it has always been.”

He credits star comedians like Zakir Khan, Vir Das, Samay Raina, Abhishek Upmanyu, Russell Peters, and Dave Chappelle who inspired him to find his own voice in comedy.

With his significant roles in Dhill, Ghilli, Kanthaswamy and Uthamaputhiran, the Delhi-born actor has showcased his versatility in connecting with diverse audiences. His performances have left an indelible mark, making him a beloved figure in Tamil cinema. “I still look forward to great roles while traveling, discovering, and sharing new stories with my audience. Above all, the key part of my life is to make a difference in my own life and the lives of others by choosing the right roles,” he shares.