He's funny, he's Iranian and he wants to make you laugh about September 11. ALEX KASRIEL talks to Omid Djalili

It has been said that Iranian comedian Omid Djalili's humour could bring about peace in the Middle East.

His new comedy set (which he admits to having only started writing two weeks ago) tackles the thorny issue of September 11.

"It's a new direction for me," he says. "This time it's going to be more experimental. I think it will be quite groundbreaking."

Omid, who grew up and still lives in Kensington, won an EMMA (Ethnic Multicultural Media Award) for best comedian this year. For someone who identifies his comedy with his ethnicity, being recognised in these awards is, on balance, a good thing.

"At first I thought, what's the point of these awards?" he said. "Then I thought I've won one so now it's different. It makes people take notice of ethnic groups."

The self-styled only Iranian comedian in Britain', Djalili might not be a household name but he's certainly getting there. Leaving the Edinburgh Festival each year with handfuls of awards in his luggage helps, but you're more likely to have seen him without realising it. He's played a similar kind of dark-skinned baddie in blockbuster hits like The Mummy, Gladiator (he diplomatically describes Russell Crowe as "very focused") and with Pierce Brosnan in The World Is Not Enough. Somehow he also landed the role of the guy who sells the orange juice to Hugh Grant in Notting Hill. He boasts in a mock arrogant way: "I only do blockbusters."

The parts may be type-casted but Djalili is convinced that he can change the way people see him. "It's up to me to show people that I can do something different."

Djalili likes working in film but only for what it can teach him. "It's like a work placement," he explains, "When you get the chance to work with Ridley Scott, you're not going to refuse. But I'm thinking about writing, directing or producing films myself in the future."

For now though, he is happy doing his hilarious live acts.

"As far as live work is concerned, communicating comedic ideas, it's the best thing in the world."

It's his fourth time performing at the Bull.

"The crowds are good," he explains. That's you he's talking about, so go and see him play at the Bull, 68 High Street, Barnet, on July 10, at 8pm. Tickets are £10, and can be booked on 020 8449 0048.

July 3, 2002 18:30