Passion ignited from the age of 12
FROM stand-up comedy and celebrity impersonations to break-dancing and singing, Durban entertainer “Merv the Swerve” or, as many may know him, Mervyn Pillay, is a man who can do just about anything in the entertainment sphere.
But it wasn’t just a sudden revelation that made Pillay turn to the industry. It was a passion that ignited from the age of 12 when he worked at a local bioscope, Dreamland Cinema.
Having watched Shahenshah, starring his favourite Bollywood icon, Amitabh Bachchan, at least 25 times, Pillay said it was one of the movies that inspired him to try dancing and singing, and later comedy. He spoke of his colourful journey when he welcomed to his Berea home.
The Victoria (now Bertha Mkhize) Street original, who has been in the entertainment industry for more than three decades, said he lived in the vicinity of eight cinemas and developed a liking for rhythm and dance.
“This led me to enter talent shows during my school days (Surat Hindu Primary and Gandhi Desai High). My first performance was an Amitabh Bachchan dance. I then started break-dancing when I was 15 and continued for many years. I even danced on the street and earned the name, ‘Merv The Swerve’,” he said laughing.
Pillay later joined several musical groups – one being Melody Makers at the age of 18.
He toured with them for many years until securing a job in the arts department at Independent Media in Greyville. This did not prevent him from continuing part-time with entertaining.
He described his adoption of voice impressions and celebrity impersonations.
“I loved comedy after hearing Eddie Murphy and decided to try it out. I was also an ardent fan of Indian comedian/ mimicry artist Johnny Lever and eventually fell in love with mimicking. The dancing faded out. I felt I needed to change my way of doing things.”
He said a turning point had been when he was backstage with veteran journalist Fakir Hassen, who had given him a shove in the right direction.
“We were at the Newcastle Community Hall for an event and I started showing off to Fakir backstage with my impressions. When he announced my act shortly thereafter, he said I would be doing Bollywood voice impressions without giving me the heads-up. But the people loved it.
“I then started adding singing and voice impressions to my repertoire – by intertwining music with the impersonations.”
He also impersonated a few Hollywood actors, including Sylvester Stallone, but every two years he changed his routine.
“I quickly learnt that less is more and quality is more important. I began focusing on stand-up comedy because at the time it took over the scene and was popular. I had my first oneman show at Sibaya in 2010 and it was amazing.”
Pillay found that people wanted more “below-the-belt” humour, so he catered to their needs.
“I was never prepared to swear, but I began speaking about dating, nightclubs and Viagra. I added impersonations and Bollywood impressions to my repertoire.”
Practising in the car while driving to work and even at night when everyone was asleep, Pillay’s passion grew in leaps and bounds.
He practised at every chance he got, he said with a smile, even while taking his son to school. “I would maximise my time. I rehearsed for three shows like that.”
Pillay believes that being an entertainer, longevity and staying relevant are important.
“You have to constantly come up with new material when you’re a comedian and it’s hard work. You have to be passionate, dedicated and know what you’re capable of.”
Speaking of Bachchan, his icon, Pillay said he was “godlike” to him and had been honoured when the legend sent him a congratulatory video recording on his 25th show.
Pillay said he was humbled to have met Bachchan three times and had been given a signed copy of his pictorial biography, To Be Or Not To Be, and a collection of his film posters.
Merve the Swerve’s number one supporter is his wife, Sumantha, a social worker with whom he shares 21-year-old son Tharan, a third-year medical student at the University of Cape Town.
She performs at most of his shows, singing her originals and a few cover versions.
He said his family were above everything and he was grateful to have a wife who saw his vision.
“We feed off each other. She is my eyes and my ears and helps me be my best.”
Some of his previous oneman shows were Back In Time, One Nite Stand, Bollywood Comedy Night and Me, Myself & I.
Pillay, who strives to promote and showcase new talent under his company, Laughing Promotions, has put together several shows including Three Standing Up, Braz Ous Only, Pagla Comedy Night, All Girl Comedy Jam, Laugh Lukka Comedy and the Women’s Day Comedy Jive.
His latest offering is Mervyn From Durban.