Omid Djalili recalls a surprising moment after a recent performance: the sound technician, the security guards – all wanting selfies. It wasn’t about fame, they explained, but about laughter and a shift in perspective. He realized then the profound impact a single show could have, dismantling preconceptions with humor and a touch of insight.
For thirty years, since his debut at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1995, Djalili has been honing this power. He believes comedy’s ability to transform is its greatest strength, influencing attitudes on both a personal and societal level. This conviction fueled a controversial decision to perform at a festival in Saudi Arabia, a move met with considerable scrutiny.
The criticism centered on accusations of “artswashing,” the idea that the event was a tactic to mask human rights concerns. But Djalili saw it differently. He argues that comedians are often the first targets of oppressive regimes precisely *because* of their transformative potential. He’d received information suggesting a genuine shift towards progress within the country, making the performance a calculated risk.
He views the invitation to perform, rather than the threat of censorship, as a positive sign. It was a deliberate step, a belief that bringing laughter and challenging perspectives could contribute to positive change. The experience solidified his conviction that comedy can be a powerful catalyst, even in the most unexpected places.
Despite his decades of success, one career regret lingers: turning down a role in *Game of Thrones*. Not because of the role itself, but because it meant missing the opportunity to work with producer Caroline Strausse, a figure he deeply admires. He operates by a simple rule – if he doesn’t understand a script, he won’t take the part.
He admits he’s deliberately avoided discovering what the role was, unable to face the potential disappointment. Ultimately, the missed opportunity paved the way for others, including a starring role in the new animated film, *In Your Dreams*, a project three years in the making.
Even now, Djalili confesses to battling imposter syndrome, still questioning why Netflix chose him to voice the Sandman, a being capable of shaping dreams. Yet, he’s profoundly grateful for the opportunity and utterly captivated by the finished film. He describes it as “gob-smacking,” a complex and elaborate world that simultaneously amazes and amuses.
*In Your Dreams* follows two siblings navigating their parents’ separation through the fantastical landscape of sleep. The film resonates deeply with Djalili on a personal level, recalling a childhood filled with vivid dreams. He believes these intense dreamscapes were a refuge for a young boy experiencing a chaotic upbringing.
Growing up as the youngest in an immigrant family, he slept on a living room sofa, surrounded by Iranian lodgers seeking medical care in the UK. He yearned for escape, finding solace and adventure within his own imagination. Playing the “dream-maker” in the film feels profoundly significant, a full-circle moment for a boy who once actively *created* his own dreams.
If young Omid could have wished for one thing, it wasn’t material possessions or fame, but a life filled with meaning. He simply hoped to find a path that would be both personally fulfilling and beneficial to others. It’s a desire that continues to drive him, shaping his choices and fueling his passion for connecting with audiences through laughter and insight.
