Laughing Lassi: Spotlighting South Asian Comedians and Shattering Barriers

In 2024 alone, Laughing Lassi has created opportunities for over 40 comedians, producing 8 sold-out shows so far that have captivated audiences across New York City. Founded by comedian Ali Mehedi, Laughing Lassi is more than just a comedy show; it’s a cultural movement that shines a light on South Asian comedians and their unique experiences.

New York has long been a haven for diverse talent, and Laughing Lassi is amplifying voices from the South Asian diaspora. What makes these comedians stand out is the richness of their cultural backgrounds and life experiences, blending humor with immigrant stories, navigating identity, and often addressing cross-cultural expectations with sharp wit. The comedians who perform at Laughing Lassi are tackling real-world challenges, from cultural clashes to navigating career paths that often differ from family expectations.

Most of these comedians juggle full-time jobs alongside their comedic pursuits—a balancing act that resonates with many. For instance, founder Ali Mehedi himself is a software engineer by day and a comedian by night, embodying the dual pressures many face from pursuing their creative passions while maintaining financial stability.

This year, Laughing Lassi has showcased rising stars such as Ajay G., Kaneez Surka, Tanveer Arora, and Vishnu Vaka, creating a sense of community for South Asian performers. It’s more than just laughs—it’s a celebration of identity and resilience.

If you haven’t yet caught a show, there are four more left in 2024, with performances scheduled for September, October, November, and December. Each show promises fresh, hilarious takes on life’s absurdities, with a lineup that evolves and surprises with every performance. Beyond the laughter, the event also includes an after-party where fans and comedians can connect.

Catch the next Laughing Lassi show and be a part of a comedic revolution celebrating diversity, humor, and culture in the heart of New York City. ​(Laughing Lassi).


Comedians Featured in Laughing Lassi in 2024:

  • Aarushi Agni
  • Akash Bajpai
  • Ajay G.
  • Ali Mehedi
  • Aliza Gandhi
  • Amber Born
  • Amir Dean
  • Arman Shah
  • Ash Mehta
  • Asif R. Lakhani
  • Ayanna Dookie
  • Adam Mamawala
  • Carmen Naidu
  • Cansu
  • Chris Brown
  • Cintra Batchoo
  • Deepak Aggarwal
  • Divya Gunasekaran
  • Erik Bransteen
  • Jabar Bains
  • Jittin Nautiyal
  • Kaneez Surka
  • Lakshmi Kopparam
  • Lakshminarayan Balasubramaniam
  • Lili Michelle
  • Luke Abranches
  • Mahesh Kotagi
  • Malika Sen
  • Marlen Mahendraratnam
  • Meeti Purani
  • Michael Harison
  • Mrin Patil
  • Mudit Verma
  • Nataly Aukar
  • Naveed Mahbub
  • Neal Patel
  • Priya Blunts
  • Rishi Methor
  • Sahib Singh
  • Sandeep Sen
  • Shounak Vale
  • Shivani Dave
  • Sonya Vai
  • Suhaib Qasim
  • Sureni Weerasekera
  • Tanveer Arora
  • Tushar Singh
  • Usama Sidiqi
  • Usman Habib
  • Vick Krishna
  • Vik Sathya
  • Vishal Krishnasami
  • Vishnu Vaka
  • Wyatt Feegrado​

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