Iranian comedian and actor Max Amini recently visited India, experiencing a journey that went far beyond his stand-up shows in packed auditoriums. During his visit, Amini explored the country, engaged with local communities, and witnessed the warmth and generosity that define India’s unique spirit.
Experiencing India’s Spirit of Acceptance
Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Amini highlighted what he found remarkable about India: “One of the most powerful things here is that people don’t take everything so seriously. Even in chaotic situations, Indians respond with calm reassurance. The worst happens, and someone just says, ‘Don’t worry about it.’ That philosophy is beautiful.”
One of the most impactful moments of his trip was visiting Dharavi, where he met underprivileged children. Unlike typical tourist experiences, Amini chose to witness the realities of everyday life. “I didn’t want to see only nice places,” he said. “The very first time I visited, my friend suggested showing me luxurious areas. I said no – I want to go to the slums.”
The experience left a lasting impression. “It was heart-wrenching; I’ve never seen anything like it before. But the children’s dignity and patience moved me. They were smiling and calm, waiting their turn as I distributed fruits. I’ve seen poverty worldwide, and often kids are restless or aggressive. Here, they were peaceful – it was truly touching.”
A Lesson in Generosity and Contentment
Amini observed India’s culture of giving and contentment despite limited resources. “Even when people don’t have much, they still give. There’s a magic here – a sense of satisfaction and peace I haven’t experienced elsewhere,” he said. He also praised India’s cultural and spiritual richness, noting: “This is a land thousands of years old, with deep traditions. People may speak different languages, follow various beliefs, but there is acceptance – you’re Indian first. That’s incredibly powerful.”
Veteran actor Anupam Kher echoed Amini’s sentiments: “You can be from any region, speak any language, follow any belief, yet there’s acceptance. You’re Indian first.”
Immersing in India’s Artistic Landscape
During his global stand-up tour in Delhi and Mumbai, Amini explored India’s artistic scene, attending theatre performances and interacting with young performers. He spent time at Anupam Kher’s acting school, connecting with aspiring actors and observing Kher’s approach to performance.
“Watching Anupam sir on stage, you see his deep love for performing. He’s completely alive, completely present – like a child on stage,” Amini said. The two bonded over their shared passion for acting, creating a natural and inspiring connection. “Speaking to him felt like an endless, honest conversation. That’s what I felt in India – openness, generosity, and energy.”
