These days, Shaun Majumder is a busy guy. He’s moved to Los Angeles, where people don’t know him as a stand-up comic and the sketch comedy guru behind such loveable characters as Raj Binder, the sweaty, East Indian journalist featured on This Hour has 22 Minutes. Currently, he’s a tough cop on the police drama Detroit 1-8-7, a show that was well-received by critics but hasn’t yet connected with a mass audience. We caught up with Majumder on the eve of his cross-Canada stand-up comedy tour.
It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I saw you doing standup at Yuk Yuks, but now — doing solo comedy tours, acting in gritty crime dramas — it seems you’re really hitting your stride.
I am very happy. I mean, it’s so strange the paths of careers and how one thing can lead to the next. I’ve been very adamant in my own head about trying to do things different and unique, about not being locked into one thing. It provides some security, plus, I bore easily. But I think that by being as varied as possible, it also keeps things in my head fresh, new and exciting.
How do you avoid being typecast, or just being given comedic roles?
When I moved here, to Los Angeles, my instinct wasn’t to get away from comedy. It’s like a Newfoundlander moving to Fort Mac, you gotta go where the jobs are. And L.A. has the nice weather, and there is so much industry here. To do what I love to do, there are so many outlets.
Was comedy your first love?
Way back when, even throughout high school, I remember preferring to be on stage and doing plays. I definitely had a thing for comedy, but I was actually more drawn to drama.
Can you tell us a bit about your concert tour?
I’m pretty stoked on it now. I absolutely love performing in these theatres. I mean, it’s not like playing a one-nighter at a bar in Bolton. I mean, I like Bolton — I’ve got the T-shirt — but these theatres are so amazing.
And you’re shooting it as a documentary film as well?
I actually don’t have any kind of DVD. Comics churn out DVDs, but I don’t have one. It was never the right time, but now doing this tour, I think it really is the right time. But it’s not just a performance DVD. It’s a documentary film about many things — my journey, traveling across the country. There is a performance element, but it’s more about my personal story.
Who was your favourite interview as Raj Binder?
The guy who took it best, and who played along, was Zdeno Chara. Every time I interviewed him, it was around the time of accusations of steroids. Well, Zdeno in skates is like 7’10", and I’m 5′ 8". And I said, “Clearly you’re not taking steroids. Perhaps you’re drinking radioactive material.” And I asked him, playing for Boston, how many children does he eat before games. And he’s like (in thick Eastern European accent), “I like to eat three or four children, little fatty ones.” And at that moment, I thought this guy is awesome.
If you were to bring back Raj Binder for an election special, who’d be your first target?
I think it’d be Raj and Stéphane Dion at the Playboy Mansion.
What about Gilles Duceppe?
I love Gilles Duceppe. Other than the separatism, he seems really cool; I know he’s been to those Cirque du Soleil orgies, eating hash cookies for breakfast.
So Detroit 1-8-7 — what is the status currently? Is it on or off?
Detroit 1-8-7 is currently in a state of limbo, and basically we’re waiting to see what happens with their shows in development. And, you know, it is hard to say.
And if it gets cancelled?
I lucked out, and booked, kind of in second position, another show if 1-8-7 doesn’t come back.
What is it?
It is called Bad Mom. It’s a pilot for ABC with Jenna Elfman [Dharma and Greg, Accidentally on Purpose]; a single-camera comedy in the vein of Modern Family.
Shaun Majumder, Winter Garden Theatre, May 6 and 7
