"Slapstick Comedy is My Jam!"

For Singh, the golden era of slapstick humor shines brightly. He names iconic comedians like Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, and Jerry Lewis as his greatest inspirations. “I love the physicality of comedy,” he states, reminiscing about the vivid scenes of Jerry Lewis falling dramatically and slapping his face.

Reflecting on the early stages of his television career, Singh recalls how management advised him to adopt a more sophisticated style of humor. “I told them, ‘I’m clever in my own way, but I can’t conform to something that doesn’t feel genuine.’ Everyone can sense when a comedian isn’t being authentic.”

Rising from Personal Tragedy to Comedic Resilience

Singh is candid about the low points in his life that challenged his comedic spirit. The passing of his parents in 2001 and 2003 plunged him into profound sadness. “Those were the hardest moments for me as a comedian. While people would ask for jokes, I was grieving,” he admits. During those times, he often found solace by isolating himself from the world, processing his feelings in private.

However, he acknowledges the healing power of time and the responsibility he felt toward his family. “I had to push through the pain, reminding myself that I had people depending on me. Comedy became a way to process my grief and emerge stronger.”

The Struggle of Introversion in an Extroverted World

Singh describes himself as an introvert who has been thrust into the limelight, creating an intriguing dichotomy in his personality. “Balancing these extremes is a challenge,” he shares. “Performing is like stepping into another life where I can explore different personas.”

This escape into different characters allows him to temporarily shed his introverted nature, sparking creativity and laughter while also raising questions about identity.

Nostalgic Reflection: The Seeds of Comedy in Childhood

He fondly recalls his childhood antics filled with mischief. “I was a prankster in school,” he chuckles. Yet, he also learned early on about the pitfalls of humor: “I realized that if I continued behaving this way, I’d end up lonely. I chose to make people laugh, even at my own expense.”

Phua Chu Kang: A Role That Defined an Era

Singh's portrayal of Phua Chu Kang has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 1997. Despite ending in 2007, Singh still embodies the character during various events. He laughs, “After a performance, I’m drenched in sweat because Phua is so larger than life!”

He mentions that during its peak, the show was so beloved in Malaysia that crowds would chase him like a celebrity. “I even swallowed a part of my mole during a live scene. That was a first!”

Exploring New Horizons in Acting

While deeply rooted in comedy, Singh is eager for new challenges. He expresses a desire to tackle roles beyond humor, particularly in the action genre, where he could portray martial arts legends like Wong Fei-hung. “I grew up watching Jackie Chan’s spectacular moves. It’s a dream role I would have loved to explore.”

Looking Ahead at 60: What's Next for Gurmit Singh?

As he celebrates his milestone 60th birthday, thoughts of retirement linger. “I love what I do, but I also understand that every chapter has its end,” he says thoughtfully. While he enjoys performing and connecting with audiences, he is also open to new ventures that life may present.

Gurmit Singh continues to prove that laughter is not just a punchline—it's a powerful tool for resilience, self-discovery, and connection. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from this comedic icon!