Paul Sinha has opened up about how his Parkinson’s battle means he doesn’t know how long his comedy career can go on for.
The Chase star, 53, who was diagnosed with the condition back in 2019, is a firm-favourite on the ITV quiz show, and has been continuing his comedy career with UK gigs.
He’s even taking to the famous Edinburgh Fringe stage for his new show, Pauly Bengali, which pokes fun at the entertainment industry and politics.
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However, Paul has now candidly admitted that he feels like his “time is running out” as a stand-up comic, amid his Parkinson’s battle.
Speaking to the RHLSTP podcast, he said: “I have no idea how long I’m going to be a stand-up for, because I get more tired with every passing year. I just want to go up and do a show that is fun.”
“Without wishing to sound bleak, my time is running out. I don’t know to what degree my time is running out.”
He added: “It could be five years, it could be 10. I just want to go, ‘I’m enjoying myself’. I think it’s important to end your career with no regrets.”
Parkinson’s is a brain disorder that causes uncontrollable movements like shaking and it often affects walking and talking.
Paul’s comedy spans a lot longer than many people might realise, as much of it took place on smaller stages and lesser-known productions.
Whilst working as a junior doctor in London, he would performing stand-up – much of his early material played on jokes about his sexuality and ethnicity. In 1999, he came third in the final of the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year.
His big breakthrough in comedy came with his second solo Edinburgh show, Saint or Sinha?.
The performance earned him an if.comeddie nomination in 2006.
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Following his diagnosis, Paul has had to adapt his life to cope with his symptoms – but thanks to husband Oliver Levy, he’s still able to make the most of life.
Speaking to Daily Star on Sunday, Paul said: “The worst part of this journey was the beginning when I was diagnosed. It was difficult taking in the enormity of the news.
“My Parkinson’s means I can’t dance anymore… I couldn’t do Strictly or anything like that. And I don’t drive anymore.”
“Everything is slower in general. To go to an event, I have to wake up an hour earlier than I otherwise would have done.”
“It takes that bit longer to get dressed. I am much more dependent on my husband than I used to be. But he helps me a lot.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
