Ask anyone to name a Singaporean stand-up comedian, and they’ll instantly reply with Kumar, arguably the most prominent funnyman that everyone knows and loves. Even edging close to the age of 50, Kumarason Chinnadurai remains a regular figure in the entertainment circuit, often seen juggling multiple jobs as TV host, actor and stand-up stints at various bars and clubs.
His personality is often as loud as the outfits he wears on stage as a drag queen. Despite our notoriously conservative populace, Kumar remains cherished in the public eye even after coming out as gay in 2011 — because he’s a true Singaporean treasure.
But even as one of Singapore’s most public figures, not much is known about his private life, and the challenging path he walked on trying to push the boundaries in entertainment. Along came Jessica Lee and Wally Tham, who managed to convince the veteran entertainer to be the subject of their documentary. Now available to watch for free on Facebook, Laughing Till It Hurts is a raw, honest look into the life of Kumar — a product of the first time he allowed camera access into his home.
What Lee and Tham uncovered was a poignant story common to the archetypal Sad Clown figure. Being Singapore’s most recognisable funnyman comes at an extremely high cost — everyone knows and loves him for his on-stage persona, but not many see him for who he is behind the glamorous mask.
It’s an audacious, inspiring piece of work, really. We caught up with the film’s executive producers Lee and Tham to find out more about how they pulled it all off.
Hey guys, amazing work on Laughing Till It Hurts. The thing is, how did you even manage to convince Kumar to be the subject of the film?
Jessica Lee: We were honest with him about why we wanted to produce this documentary. It was not for profit or glory, but because we genuinely believed that Kumar’s story would serve as an inspiration to the audience.
Through his comedy, Kumar serves as our national mirror. Through his life story, Kumar shows us that there is a huge price tag he pays to be our national mirror. Yet, he continues to be one.
Kumar agreed to be in our documentary because his vision mirrored ours — to be of contribution to our country.
That was why the interview was authentic and raw, which moved the audience in ways we did not fully expect.
Why a documentary on Kumar though?
Lee: Growing up, I had always been a fan of stand-up comedy. Kumar was naturally the first Singaporean stand-up comedian I watched.
I found him incredibly funny. But what really drew my attention was his courage. He did not fit into a certain mould and he constantly pushed boundaries. Yet he was a true blue Singaporean and proud to be one.
I wondered how he did it — what were the pain and struggles behind the decisions he made? And I thought the best way to find out was to ask him myself.
So, this documentary really began as a personal curiosity that grew into something bigger when we realised the impact it could have on our audience.
What do you hope people take away from watching the short film?
Wally Tham: What Kumar experiences is true of celebrities and every other person, we reduce others all the time based on some superficial attribute or even race, wealth, sexual orientation and even religion.
It’s lazy. It’s so easy to throw our opinions out and run away.
What’s difficult is taking the time to listen and love even when there isn’t agreement. That is the harder thing to do.
I hope we begin to have uncomfortable conversations more often in Singapore. To work toward our common good.
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