Written by: Si HawkinsPublished: Tuesday 11th June 2019
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week's bold mover is Sukh Ojla, who's bringing her first full-length show to the Edinburgh Fringe this August.
Not that she's a stranger to big projects: you may recognise Sukh from her acting roles in the Judi Dench/Eddie Izzard movie Victoria And Abdul or BBC Two's Hospital People, or earlier cameos in that dystopian series of dark and twisted fables Black Mirror, and that dystopian series of dark and twisted frowners EastEnders. But will there be light at the end of her Edinburgh Fringe tunnel?
"For Sukh's Sake is about moving back in with your parents at a time when all your mates are buying houses and having babies," Sukh says. "It's about finding yourself crying into a cheese and onion pasty at Rochester train station on a Tuesday afternoon, living a double life, and the extreme lengths I went to in search of happiness."
Now let's embark on some extreme questioning. Sukh Ojla, your Random 8 await.
What's the most regrettable thing you ever bought?
Every piece of clothing between 2000-2007. Boleros, combats and handkerchief tops anyone?
Who was your childhood hero, and why?
Sylvester Stallone in Rocky IV. My dad recorded it off the telly and I watched it until the VHS tape disintegrated. As for why, four words: man-versus-machine montage. Enough said.
What should be Britain's next national anthem?
No Geography by The Chemical Brothers.
Which historical figure should get more attention?
Phoolan Devi aka Bandit Queen (10 August 1963 - 26 July 2001). She was born into a poor family in rural Uttar Pradesh, India. Forced into marriage as a child and abused by her husband and many others. She ran away to join a group of bandits and returned years later to get her revenge.
She finally gave herself up and was arrested and upon her release became a politician and championed the poor and oppressed. When a film about her life was made without her consent she threatened to set herself on fire outside a cinema.
She finally came round when Channel 4 paid her £40,000. What a legend.
What's the best thing you ever wrote?
"My name is Sukh, which is short for Sukhjeet, which is Sanskrit for 'you're never going to find it on a f***ing keyring in a gift shop'."
Which place you've visited was the biggest anti-climax?
Marrakech. Nowt to do unless you love shopping and couscous. Plus I was going through a vegetarian phase and kept being offered chicken as a meat alternative. I still can't look at a tagine without rolling my eyes.
Is there a book or film that changed your life?
The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. It's the only book I have re-read multiple times and I don't think I'll ever get sick of it. It's got love, magic and time travel. What more could you want?
What's your favourite bit of furniture, ever?
My Simba mattress (other brands are available). Don't laugh, I am a woman of a certain age, and I am like a wasp with PMT if I don't get a good night's sleep.