Djalili attracts Montreal heat

Omid Djalili is proving a hit at the Montreal comedy festival.

The British-Iranian comic is attracting the right kind of attention with his Godzilla impressions and belly-dancing.

The English language section of the Just For Laughs festival started on Wednesday, meaning the event steps up a gear as Hollywood agents and TV executives arrive to scout for talent.

Djalili is the only comic mentioned in a report on the festival by The Hollywood Reporter.

The respected showbiz journal said: "Djalili managed to differentiate himself in his first-ever Just For Laughs appearance."

Djalili returns to the UK for his Edinburgh show Behind Enemy Lines next month.

Other British comics performing in Montreal include Al Murray and Jimmy Carr.

Dara O'Briain has also had a good festival, being invited to perform at a gala show in front of 2,500 people - and being introduced on stage by Joan Rivers.

Published: 19 Jul 2002