South Asian comedy is showcasing
At the Fringe – The Mumble
Got the BIG lowdown
SORABH
Hello Sorabh! Growing up, what did you imagine you’d become?
A hero. I was always day dreaming. Mostly about how to do Hadokens and fireballs. Still trying to this day 🙏
You studied law, worked in startups and then became a comedian. Was there ever actually a plan?
At one point. Before working in corporate law. A plan based on what my peers were doing and what I thought was expected of me. But that never made me feel fulfilled.
It was only after I decided to pursue what truly exited me and I haven’t looked back. That has been my plan since. Building things and telling stories. Thats what you do as a comedian and that’s all you really do in startups.
When did you first realise comedy might be the thing you really wanted to do?
I’ve always felt it. Mainly because of Male confidence – Unbridled and baseless confidence.
I have always found myself entertaining others, holding space whether it’s at a chicken shop or a black tie event.
But I never saw comedy/arts as a viable option. It was only once I finally had some success in life, doing startups that I felt I could take such a huge risk
Do you remember your first gig?
Yes! It was in Dalston, over 3 years ago, at We Are Funny Project. Where I quickly found out being funny doesn’t necessarily make you a comedian. Especially when I forgot my lines. Everyone cheered and encouraged me to continue. That was the last time both things have happened, haha.
Who made you laugh growing up?
Me, myself and I. And lots of TV. I owe a lot to shows like Fresh Prince, Scrubs, Arrested Development and of course, Simpsons.
How did your family react when you swapped law and startups for stand-up?
Very supportive but worried. Worried why I would leave law, after all the investment. But respected I was going into “business” at least.
Standup was different. My nephew said “why, you’re not even funny” and my niece asked if we can speak about her instead.
What attracted you to comedy over more conventional careers?
I really enjoyed working in startups/tech but I didn’t like the way things are going. And in the world.
I wanted to express my world view through storytelling. One with a human touch that can’t so easily be replaced with A.I.
Also, I enjoy making people feel comfortable, entertained and having room to have meaningful discussions. Comedy and writing provides that.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from bombing?
That it’s okay. Have fun with it. Everyone else will too if you do
What’s your comedy writing process like?
I write down the punchline and the beats, keep the rest loose to practice
Where do your best ideas come from?
My best ideas come when in motion or in the shower….and when doing No.2
What’s harder: writing or performing?
Performing material. Standup requires you to be present. Testing material out means being loose and understanding the room you’re in. Getting it right is harder
Have you ever abandoned a joke because audiences just weren’t connecting with it?
Reluctantly. But you can always bring them back as your craft improves to try again
Your previous Fringe show was IsThisEssex? What did making that show teach you?
That you do some shows for Money and some craft. They’re rarely the same. And that the game is rigged heavily to those that are industry backed
How different is Good Boy from your previous work?
GOOD BOY is my first solo. 45 minutes of storytelling, that I believe resonates across demographics
How did Good Boy first come into existence?
Last year, I had rave reviews about a particular story I told about Rocket, my dog. I knew that story could be the cornerstone to my solo. Understanding that and the theme led to this show.
When you first started writing Good Boy, did it look very different from what audiences will see this year?
Absolutely. The structure and narrative has been refined alot already
How much has Good Boy evolved?
As much as would be expected
What state is the show in today?
I’m really proud of it as a WIP. It already performed exceptionally well to a sold out room at Big Belly Comedy Club. Great foundation for me to build from
Good Boy explores identity, expectations and success through mistakes. Did writing it help you answer any of those questions for yourself?
Not really. Being bold and taking risks above have answered those questions for me. Now I’m trying to share the lessons in a fun way like a proud Indian uncle
OK so you love dogs, but what do you think of cats?
Truthfully, I hated them. I prefer the unconditional love of dogs. After all, the foundation of any real relationship is co-dependence.
But My ex had a cat and I grew to love cats too :).
Rocket is a big part of the show. Is he aware he’s becoming a Fringe performer?
He knows he’s the star and he’s being an outright Diva now
Has getting a dog genuinely changed your outlook on life?
Yes. My social circle has completely changed. The last 3 girls I have dated are because of him. Also, Animals fascinate me now like never before
You’ve family members coming to visit you – what do you cook them – three courses?
Butter chicken, naan and rice. No starters. Dessert from M&S.
Are you more funny on stage or off stage?
Off stage
What’s your karaoke song?
The City is Mine – Jay Z
Do you cheat at board games?
Never. Play fair and play to win
What’s the strangest audience interaction you’ve ever had?
I got called a Nazi
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Sometimes you have to take one step back to take 2 steps forward
Finally, you’ve got ten seconds to convince someone on the Royal Mile to see Good Boy. What’s your pitch?
If you love dogs and want to watch a show with heart and hilarious stories about mistakes, come watch Good Boy!
RAJ
Born and raised in London, and still based there. I’ve travelled extensively and somehow still ended up living with my parents.
What did the younger version of you think you’d grow up to become?
What first made you think, “I could actually do stand-up”?
The first time I got a proper laugh from something that had actually happened to me. There’s something dangerously addictive about strangers validating your trauma.
You’ve family members coming to visit you – what do you cook them – three courses?
Samosas to start, a proper Gujarati curry for main, and something from M&S for dessert that I quietly remove from the packaging and take credit for.
You studied Economics and became a private banker. At what point did you realise that comedy was the career you actually wanted?
When I realised I was finishing a full day at the bank, driving hours to do a free gig, then getting up and doing it all again — and somehow the free bit was what I looked forward to.
Has anyone from your banking days ever turned up to one of your gigs?
Yes, and there’s nothing more stressful than performing in front of someone who remembers you being trusted with actual money.
Has your financial background unexpectedly helped you as a comedian?
Absolutely. Comedy is essentially running a small business where the main asset is an insecure man with a microphone.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from bombing on stage?
That silence won’t kill you. Unfortunately, it does last considerably longer than laughter.
Where do your best ideas come from?
My family, mostly. They’ve unknowingly been writing my material for 37 years and still haven’t asked for commission.
What’s harder: writing or performing?
Writing. Performing a bad joke takes ten seconds; working out why it’s bad can ruin an entire Tuesday.
Have you ever scrapped a joke because the audience simply didn’t get it?
Constantly. If you have to explain a joke after telling it, congratulations — you’ve written a lecture.
Are you more funny on stage or off stage?
On stage. Off stage I’m mainly tired and looking for somewhere to sit down.
What’s something you’re surprisingly competitive about?
Saving money. I don’t need to win — I just need to know you paid more than me.
Do you cheat at board games?
No. I just interpret the rules in a way that maximises my gain.
Your debut Fringe show is called Dice. How did the idea first come about?
I started thinking about how many major decisions in my life I thought I was making myself, when really someone else had already picked the options.
How much has Dice changed since the first draft?
Massively. The first draft had six literal sides of a dice; now there’s an actual story, which apparently audiences prefer.
Rolling Stone UK named you one of its Rising Stars for this year’s Fringe. Does recognition like that add excitement or pressure?
Both. It’s lovely being called a Rising Star, but now I’ve got the added pressure of actually rising.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Write the show that only you can write. There are thousands of comedians doing jokes; nobody else has your exact life.
Finally, you have ten seconds to stop someone on the Royal Mile. What’s your pitch for Dice?
I spent years making all the sensible choices so you don’t have to. Come watch me explain how that went.
ON 150% PERCENT MASALA
So boys: So what are your memories of meeting each other for the first time?
RAJ: Sorabh DM’d me when I went to LA to share taco recommendations. We both bonded over this until Raj decided to loose weight (boo)
How did the idea for 150% Masala first come about?
SORABH: Last year, at breakfast at Pollock Halls during fringe run.
At what point did the two of you realise this was something worth turning into a Fringe show?
RAJ: After last year’s fringe, where both felt there is a demand to showcase South Asian comics
You both talk about how difficult the Fringe can be for independent comedians. Was creating this showcase partly about changing that?
SORABH: Absolutely
How did you go about choosing the comedians who appear in the show?
RAJ: We are fortunate enough to know many of the acts performing because of our work. Some do the very best.
SORABH: But honestly, we had to rely on who will be at Fringe this year. Sadly, not many go up because of costs and also because of the prevailing feeling that fringe isn’t for South Asians. We hope to change that and create space for them.
RAJ: Luckily, this year, we have a great line up
What would you say was the chemistry that fuels your relationship?
SORABH: Hate. I’m Punjabi and his Gujrati.
The show celebrates South Asian comedy while joking about representation. How important was it to get that balance right?
RAJ: It was anchor to everything
Has working together taught you anything new about each other’s comedy?
SORABH: Working together has shown the importance of being a good operator more than being a performer.
What’s the funniest disagreement you’ve had while putting the show together?
RAJ: Who’s better – Punjabis or obviously the Gujaratis
If 150% Masala is the start of something bigger, where would you like to see it in five years?
SORABH: Multiple shows in a day, from PG content to raunchy
Finally, if someone only has time to see one showcase this Fringe, why should it be 150% Masala?
RAJ: Because you won’t see a show like it anywhere else, with a highly curated group of comics from across the globe
GOOD BOY
Slice 1 at Hoots @ Hilton (Bread Street)
7th-31st Aug (14:00)
BUY TICKETS
150% PERCENT MASALA
Slice 4 at Hoots @ Hilton (Bread Street)
7th-31st Aug (21:30 )