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Dilruk Jayasinha is Sri Lanka’s pride at the Australian Comedy Festival.- BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.
Comedy is an uplifting artform that is not for everyone.
But those gifted with the God given talent, have to negotiate the delicate intricacies associated with delivering it without treading on sensitive issues the audience may be dealing with in their own lives, while they seek an outlet through laughter.
It’s a tough gig, but those indulging in this challenging artform are truly gifted with the dexterity of how to deflect human emotion and help them see the lighter side of life.
I’ve never seen comedy before in the light as what I have mentioned above, but to me, it was pure appreciation of those delivering it with their creative twist to something quite simple that generates laughter.
But a new feeling was aroused in me at a recent performance by Sri Lanka born Dilruk Jayasinha at the Australian Comedy Festival at Victoria Hotel in Little Collins Street in Melbourne that suggested that it can influence people to peer deeper and see more than laughter to it.
Taking in Dilruk’s hilarious performance, (he had the appreciative audience and my mate Michael Prins and I, in stitches), as he traversed through many aspects of life which spanned people dealing with medical issues, people dealing with addiction such as smoking, vaping and other vices and other sensitive challenging subjects but cleverly camouflaged into bringing humour but more importantly, awareness of its consequences.
Dilruk’s style of comedy differentiates from the norm in this respect which in my opinion makes him attractive to those seeking an outlet through humour but also being able to see through the pitfalls of life’s bad choices. This particular performance was themed to deal with such issues.
His outward persona does not in any way project anything else but a funny comedian going about making fun about a raft of topics with that wicked humorous twist, some of them directed at his own failings as a 40-year-old which he readily admits has been a rollercoaster of hard nosed discovery and education.
The Silver Logie winner has had his own battles despite his age, dealing with Cardiac issues at a young age. Having overcome the setbacks, he soldiers on with steely grit and determination and that important mindset that says,” Don’t look back”.
Bursting into the Australian Comedy scene around a decade ago, Dilruk has climbed the ladder of fame rapidly and has already been warmly embraced by Australia’s best funny performers and print and TV media entertainment programmes for his quick wit, yet humble demeanour. He exudes confidence and character to mix it with the best.
Australia is blessed with an abundance in this respect.
Dilruk proudly forges his Sri Lankan decent in almost all of his acts often reflecting his love for Sri Lankan cuisine and a family back in Sri Lanka that are possessive and proud of his achievements.
His father Niroshan, is proud of his son’s path to fame and was instrumental in organising our first live experience at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Unfortunately my wife Anne missed out on the opportunity, being indisposed.
His future in comedy right now sits on the cusp of greatness, and there’s no doubt that the personal challenges he may encounter in his life going forward, will be overcome as quickly as he has established himself as a comedian worth trekking a long way to watch.
It was an absolute pleasure to meet this humble young man for a brief chat after the performance, and I have no doubt that my wife Anne will be upto joining me at his next appearance which we are eagerly looking forward to.
