Sanjay Lago is a gay Indian man who simply wants to be accepted. At his ‘book launch’ we learn of his story and the struggles he has dealt with. He’s relatable and offers an insightful exploration of a gay Indian man’s experience growing up in Glasgow. Describing himself as ‘gaysian’, he talks his struggles coming out to his third-generation Indian immigrant parents.
A self-confessed nerd, obsessed with Doctor Who, Eastenders and Indian soaps Sanjay has terrible luck in the dating scene and is looking for someone that sees him more than an exotic experiment. His story is straight from the heart, and although he jokes a lot, none of it feels embellished.
We also learn about his love of Bollywood dancing which he showcases, and he gets the crowd to join in on a song about colonisation. You get a real sense he’s comfortable within himself which adds to his final message.
Wrapping up in with a nice piece of poetry, the final message is ultimately about approval, whether it be his parents and his sexuality, or the want of it from others, or even himself. The sincerity in which he tells his story means there are as many aws from the audience as there is laughs.
The show ends in a standing audiation (which he tells us is his first ever) – a just reward for the time he spends sharing his story.
Love me Like a Chai Tea, Roxyboxy at Assembly Roxy, 16:20, Until 25 Aug
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/love-me-like-a-chai-tea-latte
