“I am 99 percent Armenian. I look like an Indian on the outside, but I’m an Armenian in my heart,” this is how ethnically Indian actor and comedian Shafi Al Caprio presents himself.
Shafi was 17 years old when he came to Armenia. “I was running away from my country. I wanted to find my place and myself in this world. I was looking at the map and deciding where I could go when I came across the word ‘Armenia.’ I liked it a lot, so I decided to go and see what Armenia has to offer.” Shafi came to Armenia alone and empty-handed. It was very difficult for him in the beginning because he didn’t know Armenian and he was not able to say much in English. So, the need arose for him to learn the language. He soon began to speak in Armenian and to Armenians. “Armenians are very disciplined people. No Armenian mother tells her child not to speak with black people or with people who have dark skin. She doesn’t teach her children racism. With time, due to their environment, people change their opinions, but not entirely,” he said.
Speaking about Indians and Armenians, Shafi noted that they have many similarities when it comes to starting families, respect, human relations, and culture. Their languages are the only things that separate and differentiate them. “It has been over eight years that I’m living in Armenia. I have adapted to the country and I have a job and a business. I believe that I have changed stereotypes people have about Indians, such as that they only come here to study at the Medical University. No, we also see many opportunities and a lot of potential here,” Shafi said.
Armenia is an impressive and interesting country for Shafi. He has been to all the regions of Armenia. “You cannot form an opinion on the entire country just based on its capital. People in the city are colder and more indifferent, but I cannot say the same for the villagers. Every village has its own dialect, food, culture, and approach, which is very beautiful.”
Read also
There was a time when people were not pleased with the growing presence of Indians in Armenia and with the fact that Indians work there. “Armenians want to work, but there are some people who only have the desire to. In order to work, you need to move. You need to work for 16 hours instead of six. Nothing comes easily. For example, we can spend an entire day writing one page of a comedic scene. There are lots of times when we don’t sleep in order to achieve something,” the Indian actor assured. Shafi will remain in Armenia for a long time. And even if he does leave, he knows that he will take good memories and impressions with him.
Lilit Hovsepyan
“Aravot”
