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10th Annual Desi Comedy Fest Poster
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Desi Comedy Fest Crowd Shot
Founded in 2014 by Bay Area comedians Abhay Nadkarni and Samson Koletkar, the festival has transformed from a grassroots effort into a national sensation.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, USA, June 28, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- In the heart of the Bay Area, a cultural phenomenon has been brewing for a decade. Desi Comedy Fest, North America's largest and longest-running South Asian comedy festival, is marking its 10th anniversary, a testament to the power of laughter, community, and the growing influence of South Asian voices in the comedy landscape.
Founded in 2014 by Bay Area comedians Abhay Nadkarni and Samson Koletkar, the festival has transformed from a grassroots effort into a national sensation. With 200+ comedians representing a tapestry of South Asian heritages – Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, and more – the festival has entertained and empowered more than 15,000 audience members, creating a space where laughter knows no borders.
More Than Just Jokes: A Cultural Movement:
Desi Comedy Fest isn't just about punchlines; it's about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating a space where South Asian experiences take center stage. From navigating cultural expectations to the quirks of immigrant families, the festival's comedians offer a unique perspective that resonates deeply with the diaspora.
"Comedy has always been a way for us to connect with our roots and make sense of the world around us," says Abhay Nadkarni, co-founder. "Desi Comedy Fest has become a platform for our community to laugh together, to see ourselves reflected on stage, and to celebrate the things that make us unique."
Nadkarni adds, "Comedy is a great outlet for getting people to laugh when they might have preconceived notions about each other. It's the great equalizer for cutting through tension."
Bay Area Roots, Global Reach:
The festival's impact extends far beyond the Bay Area. With partnerships with major festivals like SF Sketchfest and Just for Laughs Vancouver, Desi Comedy Fest has amplified South Asian voices on a global stage across USA, Canada & India, attracting top-tier talent and industry recognition.
“I would hear Desi audiences complain that Desi comedians only do jokes about 'my mom does this and my dad talks like that'. I would also hear Desi comedians complain that Desi audiences only like jokes about 'my mom does this and my dad talks like that'. Desi Comedy Fest was our way to prove both of them wrong.
Comedians featured at this fest include Tom Thakkar (Comedy Central) & Milan Patel (Netflix Is A Joke) from Los Angeles, Abby Govindan (Opened for Hasan Minhaj & Russell Peters) & Ibhan Kulkarni (Just For Laughs) from New York, Maddy Kelly (CBC's The New Wave of Standup) from Vancouver, Marc Yaffee (PBS Special“Goin Native”) from Reno, Maryam Moosavi & Anu Bee from Sacramento, and Bay Area local favorites Numaan Shaikh, Deeptanshu Jha, Tirumari Jothi, Shivaan Nadan, & Hunaid Shakoor alongside co-founders Abhay & Samson.
The Founders' Journey: From Open Mics to International Acclaim:
The co-founders' own careers have mirrored the festival's success. Nadkarni, recently named a New Face at the prestigious Just for Laughs Montreal Festival, has toured his solo show "Third Culture Chaos" to international acclaim. Koletkar, voted“10 Best Indian-Origin Comedians of the Last Decade” has toured his show“Mahatma Moses Comedy Tour” as well as headlined“You're Funny But You Don't Look Jewish”, and has been featured on NPR, NBC, CBS, The Times of India, Asian Jewish Life, Ha'aretz and more.
"The growth of Desi Comedy Fest has been intertwined with our own growth as comedians," Nadkarni reflects. "It's been an incredible journey, and we're just getting started."
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Laughter and Inclusion:
As Desi Comedy Fest enters its second decade, the mission remains clear: to champion diversity, create opportunities for emerging talent, and make the world a funnier place, one joke at a time.
"We believe that comedy has the power to heal, to connect, and to inspire," Koletkar states. "Desi Comedy Fest is our way of giving back to the community that has supported us and creating a legacy that will last for generations to come."
Join the 10th Anniversary Celebration!
Desi Comedy Fest's 10th-anniversary celebration is happening this August with shows on four nights in four cities across the Bay Area:
1. Saturday, August 3rd, 8pm at Firehouse Arts Center, Pleasanton
2. Sunday, August 4th, 7pm at Cobb's Comedy Club, San Francisco
3. Tuesday, August 6th, 8pm at the Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley
4. Thursday, August 8th, 8pm at Improv Comedy Club, San Jose
Tickets are available now at desicomedyfest
Samson Koletkar
Desi Comedy Fest
+1 415-676-1371
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