With a new book just wrapped up, a freshly released film in theatres, and no plans to slow down creatively, Vir Das found himself fielding questions on multiple fronts. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Jaipur Literature Festival, the comedian, actor, and filmmaker reflected on comedy, censorship, audience silence, and the creative exhaustion that comes with constantly reinventing oneself. Das is currently juggling two major releases — his book, which he has already declared will be his first and last, and his latest film, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, a niche, absurd comedy that marks his directorial debut and sees him in the lead role. As he moved between questions on literature, cinema and stand-up, Das remained characteristically humorous and unguarded. Asked about the current climate for comedians in India and whether artistes today have the liberty to say what they want, Vir Das was unequivocal. “My jokes are very much the same abroad as they are in India,” he said. “I do exactly the same show no matter where—Mars, Pluto, Bhopal or New …