Born in Patiala, Punjab, in 1975, and moving to Chandigarh at the age of two, the journey of this stand-up comedian is as fascinating as it is inspiring. Growing up in a traditional family where academics and a stable job were the priorities, he found his true calling in the world of comedy, a path that was far from the mechanical engineering career planned for him.
From his early days as a shy kid at school, struggling to gain attention, he discovered the power of performance at the age of 12 during a school show. Emulating the Indian stand-up comedian Johnny Lever, he realized the thrill of being on stage, even though he continued to remain one of the quieter kids at school.
In 1993, he embarked on his expected path, studying mechanical engineering in Bathinda. However, college life opened new avenues, as he actively participated in plays and skits, often winning. Here, his talent for writing and directing flourished, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
Post-graduation in 1997, he briefly worked in the petrochemical industry, followed by an MBA at IIT Delhi. The corporate world beckoned, but his heart was elsewhere. He joined a satellite multicasting start-up, only to move on to start his own HR recruitment company. Despite the business’s success, growing to 50 employees and offices in two cities, his passion for comedy remained unquenched.
Inspired by Timothy Ferriss’s book “The 4-Hour Work Week,” particularly its chapter on goal setting, he wrote down “stand-up comedy” as his goal in 2010. His journey in comedy began with open mic events in Delhi, where he learned the ropes of stand-up, overcoming initial jitters and failures.
By 2012, he found his niche in clean comedy, often drawing from family experiences, which made him a hit in corporate shows. His material, relatable and family-friendly, struck a chord with a wider audience, leading to viral YouTube videos and skyrocketing ticket sales. His comedy appealed to all ages, making him a popular choice for diverse audiences.
In 2016, his career took off internationally, with performances across the globe. His relatable content on family relationships, evolving from nappy changes to video calls with teenage children, kept providing fresh material.
By 2017, he decided to focus solely on comedy, leading to the closure of his business and a move to Mumbai. His success continued to soar with Netflix specials like “Family Tandoncies,” the first Hindi solo comedy show on the platform, acclaimed for its family-friendly content.
Apart from stand-up, he is exploring other creative avenues, including a show on India’s partition. With a unique perspective derived from his family’s history, he aims to explore untold stories beyond the tragedy and loss typically associated with the partition.
Looking forward to his upcoming show in Hong Kong, he plans to take a day off for sightseeing, exploring the city’s famed shopping streets with his wife.
READ MORE: