The M Interview: Kevin Hart will keep it raw in Singapore

What he lacks in physical stature, Kevin Hart makes it up in personality.

That's what the 1.63m tall comedian promises when he comes to Singapore for his What Now? stand-up comedy tour on Feb 2, 2016, at the Suntec Convention Centre Hall.

"People can expect to see a side of me that they have never seen me before," said Hart to M over the phone from Los Angeles.

That side, explained the comedian – originally from Philadelphia – is the real Hart, not the characters he has played on television or the big screen.

"What Now? is all about me being me — unedited, uncut, raw."

He added: "That means what you see is a person who's not fake.

"I'm very honest about life. Self-deprecation drives my humour.

"I talk about who I am, my life, me getting married, me getting a divorce, me getting re-married, my kids..."

Hart, 36, has been engaged to US model Eniko Parrish, 31, since August 2004.

The father of two — daughter, 10, and son, 8 — from his previous marriage plans to tie the knot again in August.

Hart — and avid user of Instagram — has been on his sold-out tour for the last nine months. Next year will see him take his show to Europe, Singapore, Australia and South Africa.

When asked if he caters his show to specific countries, for instance, toning down any racy material or vulgarities when he comes here, Hart asserts that that is not on the agenda.

"My material isn't too bad to start with so there is nothing to tone down," he said.

"I feel like I'm an universal entertainer. I can make people laugh anywhere. 

"There may be some profanity, but that should be okay, right?" he said, laughing.

Hart took to comedy as a coping mechanism for his tough childhood.

He and his older brother were raised solely by his mother as his father was a drug addict and in and out of jail.

Hart knew that stand-up comedy was what he wanted to do, as he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his comedy idols such as Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor and Jerry Seinfeld.

Kevin Hart (top) and Will Ferrell in Get Hard. PHOTO: WARNER BROS.

Of late, Hart's stock as a big screen comedy star has been rising thanks to Grudge Match (2013), Ride Along (2014) and Get Hard (2015).

Hart can next be seen in Ride Along 2, opening here Feb 25, where he reunites with Ice Cube in the action comedy.

Then there is Central Intelligence (opening June 16) where he shares the screen with Dwayne Johnson. 

This role offers a major change of pace in what is something of a role reversal for Hart.

 He will not be the comic relief. It will be Johnson who's shouldering all the comedy.

"It's really fortunate that I can be paired with some really good guys," said Hart on upcoming odd-couple pairing.

"It all worked out well. I'm very lucky to be in the position to be offered such jobs."

 

Acting aside, Hart says he still has plenty to achieve, especially when it comes to his gigs as host.

While he has hosted high-profile shows, such as the 2012 MTV VMAs and this year's Comedy Central Roast Of Justin Bieber, Hart hopes to land a one of the big hosting events such as like the Emmys and the Oscars.

"I'd love to host the Oscars. That's my dream... that's the dream gig for all comedians."