Anshu Mor: Exploring Gender Perspectives with a Stand-up Comedian

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting a seasoned stand-up comedian, Anshu Mor, who shared his unique insights into the intersections of gender, comedy, and personal growth. The conversation touched on various aspects of his life, from his childhood experiences to his midlife career shift and the profound influences of the women around him.

Childhood and Early Influences

Growing up in a middle-class family with both parents as teachers, Anshu had a balanced and liberal upbringing. His parents’ lack of strictness allowed him and his brother to make their own decisions, fostering a sense of independence. This environment, combined with witnessing his mother’s multitasking prowess and work ethic, laid the groundwork for his future endeavours.

Corporate Journey and Shift to Comedy

After completing his education in engineering and international business, Anshu spent 18 years in corporate life, with the last 11 years at Microsoft heading the Xbox business in India. A pivotal moment came when he watched the movie “Tamasha,” which inspired him to follow his passion for stand-up comedy. Despite the challenges, he made the bold decision to leave his corporate career and pursue comedy full-time.

Gender Perspectives and Feminism

Anshu delved into his evolving understanding of gender dynamics, particularly in the corporate world. Initially, he struggled to grasp the importance of diversity and inclusion conversations, but over time, he recognised the unconscious biases and systemic issues women face in the workplace. He emphasised the need for genuine conversations to address these biases rather than resorting to accusations.

Multitasking and Women’s Resilience

One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the remarkable ability of women to multitask without complaining. He shared anecdotes about his wife and mother, who managed numerous responsibilities effortlessly, a trait he deeply admires. This observation highlighted the often underappreciated resilience and strength of women.

Comedy and Gender Bias

As a comedian, Anshu addressed the stereotype that women aren’t funny and the challenges female comedians face. He recounted an instance where he and his male colleagues underestimated a female comedian’s ability to handle a tough audience, only to be outshone by her performance. This experience reinforced the importance of recognising and appreciating talent irrespective of gender.

Also Read: Nidhi Razdan – Life is Short. Do What Makes You Happy

Empathy and Equality

Anshu underscored the need for men to understand women’s perspectives better, advocating for empathy and genuine equality. He stressed that true support doesn’t come from being a “white knight” but from treating women as equals and acknowledging their capabilities.

Midlife Rebooting and Following Passions

Reflecting on his midlife career change, he discussed the romanticised notion of following one’s passion. He cautioned against underestimating the hard work and challenges involved, urging individuals to be realistic about the demands of such transitions.

Empowering Quotes and Lessons

While not a fan of specific quotes, he acknowledged the profound impact women’s actions and resilience have had on his life. Their examples have taught him valuable lessons about persistence, tolerance, and hard work.

Rapid Fire Round Highlights

In a fun, fast-paced, rapid-fire round, our guest shared amusing anecdotes, favourite books, and insights into gender dynamics. Here are a few highlights:

• Funniest On-Stage Moment: Accidentally dropping the mic stand during an early performance.
• Favourite Book: “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig.
• Essential Understanding for Men: The significance of silence in arguments.
• Favourite Female Comedian: Hannah Gadsby, known for her powerful Netflix special, “Nanette.”
• Iconic Female Fashion Trend: The timeless elegance of the sari.

This conversation was a testament to the importance of gender perspectives in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional environments. We can create a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone by fostering empathy, understanding, and genuine equality.