Speakeasy with Aziz Ansari

Aziz Ansari is not an easy man to get in touch with. He’s not a shady dick though, he’s just busier than ever. After the successful year that he’s had, (starring in the second season of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” hosting the MTV Movie Awards, launching a national stand-up tour), everybody seems to want a piece of Ansari. Happy to get in touch with the constantly-on-the-move comic any way we could, Creative Loafing managed to squeeze in an e-mail exchange with Ansari before he brings his Dangerously Delicious tour to Atlanta for a two-show, one-night stand at the Tabernacle on Saturday, Sept. 18.

How long have you been doing comedy?
A little over 9 years. Over 1/3 of my life!

Why do you think you’ve had such a huge year - is it something you did differently this year, or are people just noticing your work more?
This was the first year in my career I instated my “no crystal meth” rule and I think it’s been the key factor.

What was the bigger accomplishment in your mind, hosting the MTV Movie Awards, or shooting your own Comedy Central special?
To be honest, it’s this tour I’m doing. Nothing like performing at beautiful theaters and venues everywhere doing standup which is where I started. I could have never imagined doing shows for like 3000 people a night when i was a kid in NYU passing out flyers for standup shows in Times Square. Also I got a lot of free shoes this year.

Are there any rappers or celebrities from Atlanta that you hope show up to your shows?
Fuck! I gotta invite Luda!!!!!

Do you have any upcoming projects (movies or television) involving your alter-ego, Randy?
Not right now. I’m working on some scripts I’m very excited about though. One is about two disgraced astronauts for Judd Apatow. Another is called Olympic Sized Asshole. Danny McBride and I are best friends who go apeshit when the world’s most famous Olympic athlete has a threeway with our girlfriends. I hope to shoot those asap.

Is there any chance “Human Giant” gets back together, or are you all too busy with your own projects?
Right now we are doing our own thing. We did get together to make a short called Stunt Kidz when I hosted the MTV Movie Awards. We are still great friends though and that astronaut movie is being written with Jason Woliner our director from HG.

How hot is Rashida Jones in person?
She is adorable. Her, Amy, and Aubrey are the three most beautiful, talented women a guy could ever work with.

In a musical fight to the death, do you take R. Kelly or T-Payne?
I don’t know but T-Pain might need to slap you with his chain for misspelling his name!

My sincerest apologies to T-Pain, and the entire Pain family.

Ansari will be performing at the Tabernacle on Saturday, Sept. 18. $42.50. 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. For more info go to www.livenation.com.