Fringe Q&As: Aatif Nawaz

It's a stand-up comedy show called Muslims Do It 5 Times A Day - I know - it's a provocative title. But that's the idea. I want to get people's attention so they come along and hear what I have to say. Every Tom, Dick and Harry has an opinion or at the very least, a perception of Islam in the modern world. Why shouldn't every Taimoor, Dawood and Haroon have their say. I'm fighting Islamophobia…one joke at a time.

How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?

It's hugely exciting. I've wanted to come to perform at the fringe for almost 6 years. But I wanted to wait until I had a show I was passionate about, until I had something truly important to say. Well…it's finally time!

Best live act seen at Fringe?

Probably Bobby Mair - just a phenomenal performer, always engaging and entertaining and absurdly humble to boot. The total package.

Best thing about the Fringe?

The community - I haven't even gotten there yet. I anticipated people being territorial and only acting in self-interest. The advice and support I've had from fellow comics has been unbelievably encouraging. We really are a sweet lot aren't we...?

Worst thing about the Fringe?

That I haven't been involved yet! Luckily - we're fixing that this year...

If you were not a performer/comedian what would you be doing?

Most likely, trying to perfect the art of growing an even beard. It's harder than it sounds. Shaving is more intricate than a mission impossible set piece. One false move and it's uneven city!

What do your family think of your show?

Shhh. They don't know I'm a comedian. If they ask, please tell them I've still got 4 years to go on my PHD in Arabic Studies...

How do you combat pre-gig nerves?

Deep breaths and Bikram Yoga. Though I have to say, it is surprising how few comedy clubs in the UK have the resources to facilitate the latter. Frankly, I think it's the biggest issue facing live comedy today!

Worst on stage experience?

Tripping over a curtain while walking on stage at the Leicester Square Theatre for a solo comedy show. But then again…a laugh's a laugh eh?

How do you recover from a hefty heckle? Do you have a set of stock replies?

You know that feeling you get when someone says something really mean to you and you walk away and ten minutes later you think of the perfect response? The beautiful thing about being a comic is you always get a second chance to get that response in. Every new heckle breeds a new and improved response. Like IPhones, only cheaper.

What do you love about Scotland?

One word: Tablet. As a Pakistani man from Lahore, I was pretty much born with tooth sweeter than a jar of liquified Krispy Kreme donuts. One bite into a piece of Scottish tablet and I'm transported back into an age of Mughal dynasties and breathtaking architecture. I've honestly thought about setting up a Scottish tablet distribution company in Pakistan. I could make a killing...

What do you like about Edinburgh?

Everything. It's such a diverse city. Accommodates all moods and needs. I'd move there tomorrow if…you know…I was the least bit proactive about life.

What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?

I had a Scottish band play bagpipes at my wedding…IN LAHORE PAKISTAN!!! Do you know how hard it is to find a Scottish band that plays bagpipes to perform at a wedding in Pakistan? You really really have to be into that kind of thing to make it work. And I bloody well did!

Who’s your favourite Scottish comedian?

The geezer at the Tesco outside Waverley station who I buy the tablet off. He's managed to find a new way to call me fat every time I roll in there. Fair play sir!

Favourite joke?

I genuinely love all my jokes.But I really envy any comic that can execute a good pun with emphatic conviction. It's the one thing I can't do. I just look at someone like Darren Walsh and sigh…oh to be in his head for a day.

Aatif Nawaz will perform at Just the Tonic at the Caves from August 7-31.