Kenny Sebastian interview: The professor of tomfoolery on juggling standup and music

Enjoy Kenny Sebastian's clean humour and sharp wit in his show, Professor of Tomfoolery, blending comedy, music, and anecdotes.

You don’t need to worry about quickly closing the window on you computer if your parents walk in while you’re watching Kenny Sebastian’s show on YouTube. His clean humour and sharp wit light up living rooms and stages with laughter that everyone can enjoy. A conscious move on his part, Kenny says. His decision to maintain a clean image in his comedy was both personal and strategic.

“I want my dad to sit and enjoy the show. I wanted my shows to be family-friendly and accessible to all. I’ve performed at schools like Bishop Cottons and St. Josephs, engaging with 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in Bengaluru,” says Kenny, adding, “The benefit is that I can connect with families and corporate audiences, which I enjoy. However, the challenge in evoking the same level of laughter as someone performing more unfiltered material is very hard. I wouldn’t say that clean humour is superior to unfiltered jokes; it is just a personal choice. I enjoy unfiltered jokes, but I choose to focus on clean humour. The hard-hitting nature of unfiltered jokes can be difficult to match.”

Kenny’s ongoing tour, Professor of Tomfoolery, presented by the entertainment platform Paytm Insider, has been captivating audiences both in India and abroad with his unique blend of comedy, music, and personal anecdotes. In a telephonic interview ahead of his show in Hyderabad, he opens up about his creative process, the challenges of standup comedy, and the inspiration behind his latest show.

Professor of Tomfoolery is a departure from his previous work. “I delve into the heavy topics of family issues and therapy. I am 33, married now, and have 14 years of experience. I felt it was time to lay it all out on stage. Despite the weightiness of these subjects, the special has been well-received, with audiences appreciating my unique approach. Many have even returned to watch it a second time with their families. To keep the tone lighthearted, I approached it like a fun professor, matter-of-factly explaining complex concepts. By confidently discussing family dynamics, I help the audience relax and connect with the material. This method has made the show the most fulfilling one I’ve ever done.”

Travelling worldwide has taught Kenny the importance of consistency. Unlike earlier tours, where he would adapt his material for different audiences, he now performs the same show word-for-word, whether he’s in Chennai, Delhi, Toronto, or Germany. “Why are people travelling to come to see you? They don’t want to see you dilute the material for them,” he states.

“Many standup artistes tailor their performances to connect with their audience, often referencing their background and experiences.” Though a Malayali, Kenny relates to a diverse audience, blending his cultural roots with his experiences in Bengaluru.

“My background is a bit unique,” he says. “My dad was in the Navy, so we moved around often. Until we settled in Bengaluru, when he retired, I had never identified with any particular state. Growing up, I was used to being surrounded by people from different parts of India, and that diversity was the norm for me. As a kid, Bengaluru gave me a sense of stability and identity. However, I didn’t realise I had developed a Bangalorean accent until I moved to Mumbai. People there pointed out my accent, which was a surprise to me. Even though I now refer to myself as being from Bengaluru, I still feel like I’m just Indian because of my varied upbringing,” says Kenny, who highlights his Malayali heritage and Bangalorean identity in his shows.