See Peru & Bala on stage
Comedy show ‘ Harry and The Uncles’ runs at the Izulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino, October 21-22. JOLENE MARRIAH caught up with Vikash Mathura and Ray Maharaj, the creators and personalities behind uncles Peru & Bala.
You guys hosted one of the most popular radio shows on Lotus FM for 17 years. Do you miss being on air?
Mathura: I still miss the creativity and the vibe we had with our listeners. But I don’t miss getting up at 4am on a Saturday morning.
Maharaj : I must confess that I really miss Vikash’s warm dimpled smile… whenever he saw me walking into the studio with a free breakfast for him! I need to get this off my chest. In 17 years, Vikash never bought me breakfast once! Not once!
You had such a great energy on radio. Did you ever get into an argument with each other?
Mathura: Never… not until now!
Maharaj: I have a rule – I never argue with a Kaanja!
Mathura: What? Are you calling me a miser? I can’t believe you’re calling me a miser! You obviously forgot about that time when I ordered you a coffee…
Maharaj: No I didn’t forget. Because you ordered it. But I had to pay for it!
What are you busy with these days?
Maharaj: We both have very busy schedules. Vikash is busy building his own corporate empire, and I am spending quality time with my grandson!
Mathura: We’ve always maintained that if you can’t commit 100% to a project, then rather not do it. Never compromise the quality of whatever it is that you want to do.
Maharaj: And it has been quite incredible – I moved to Johannesburg a year ago… and Vikash has not yet invited me to his house for lunch!
Mathura: What? That’s because… never mind…
Do you complain about your wives as much as the Uncles do?
Mathura: There are a lot of things that I value… like my life! I am not crazy enough to have a death wish! JJ cooks my meals. Never ever complain about a woman who cooks your meals!
Maharaj: I am absolutely blessed, so I have no reason to complain about Renuka. We have been “happily married” for more than 30 years! Renuka is “happy”… and I’m “married”.
Who is the funnier of the two Uncles, Peru or Bala?
Mathura: Tough question. The Uncles are like… like… like avocado and guacamole! They just go together!
Maharaj: Vikash, don’t be stupid! Avocado IS guacamole!
Mathura: Yes… but I did all the voices, right? And what’s a script without a voice?
Maharaj: I guess he’s right… and that’s why we worked so well together.
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