The world’s largest South Asian comedy festival is coming to New York City for the first time, and it’s bringing an unmissable three-night celebration of desi voices, stories, and humor. From October 16 to 18, 2026, the NYC South Asian Comedy Festival will showcase over 40 comedians from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka across five unique shows, each with its own distinct flavor and energy.
Produced by Laughing Lassi and curated by comedian Ali Mehedi, this historic festival fills a significant gap in New York’s comedy landscape by creating a dedicated platform for South Asian artists. With 650 total seats across all shows and performers featuring credits from Netflix, HBO, Comedy Central, and Amazon Prime, this is a major moment for the community.
Opening Night: Best of NYC with DJ After-Party
Friday, October 16 kicks off at Lofte 23 Art Deco Loft with “Best of NYC,” a four-and-a-half-hour experience combining stand-up comedy and a nightclub-style after-party. Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the comedy showcase running from 7 to 9 PM. Headlined by international touring comedian Gauri B, the lineup includes rising stars like Vik Pandya (Billboard Top 10 comedy album artist), Shounak Vale (Forbes Top 12 AAPI Comics to Watch), and Ayanna Dookie (HBO, 2 Dope Queens). Ali Mehedi hosts the evening.
After the final punchline, the party continues. From 9:30 PM to 1 AM, two live DJs will spin Bollywood, hip-hop, and Desi club anthems while attendees enjoy a step-and-repeat photo wall. Tickets are $45 plus fees. The event is 21+ only. Get tickets →
Saturday: Raw Comedy and Competitive Roasting
Saturday brings two distinct experiences at Broadway Comedy Club. At 7 PM, “Brown Unhinged” delivers unfiltered, uncensored stand-up from the boldest South Asian comedians on stage. Hosted by Sandeep Sen (2× Comedy Fight Club Champion), this show strips away the polish for edgy, unapologetic humor. Performers include Fizaa Dosani (Netflix Is A Joke Festival), Pallavi Gunalan (Kill Tony), and others known for tackling race, identity, and social commentary. Tickets are $25 plus fees for all ages 18+. Get tickets →
At 9 PM, the “Roast Battle: India vs Pakistan vs Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka” transforms comedy into competitive sport. This winner-takes-all format pits comedians representing each nation against each other, with the audience voting on every round. Hosted by Divya Gunasekaran with special guest Adam Mamawala (Comedy Central), this high-energy event features reigning Roast Battle Champion John Ajodah and other comedy circuit veterans. The winner earns a full headline set to close the show. Tickets are $25 plus fees (18+ only). Note: Two-drink minimum applies, and a 20% gratuity is added to checks. Get tickets →
Sunday: Family-Friendly and Women-Led Finales
Sunday at Top Secret Comedy Club concludes the festival with back-to-back shows. At 7 PM, the “Family Friendly Show” welcomes all ages with clean, accessible comedy. Hosted by Badar Tareen and headlined by Aanchal Agrawal, this performance invites families—aunties, uncles, and everyone—to enjoy South Asian humor together. Tickets are $25 plus fees. Get tickets →
At 9 PM, the “Desi Women Takeover” closes the festival on the highest note. An all-women lineup led by comedy powerhouse Aparna Nancherla and hosted by Malika Sen celebrates South Asian female comedians. Tickets are $25 plus fees (18+). Get tickets →
The Full Lineup
The festival features an impressive roster of comedians with diverse backgrounds and comedy styles:
Friday’s Best of NYC: Headlined by Gauri B, featuring Vik Pandya, Shounak Vale, Ayanna Dookie, Bhavik Patel, Shenuque Tissera, Maryam Prinzi, and host Ali Mehedi.
Saturday’s Brown Unhinged: Headliner TBA, with performers including Pallavi Gunalan, Sunil Mashari, Dimitri Wejaysingher, Fizaa Dosani, Piyali Syam, and host Sandeep Sen.
Saturday’s Roast Battle: Features Akash Bajpai, John Ajodah, Ali Mehedi, Farooq Hussain, and special guest Adam Mamawala, hosted by Divya Gunasekaran.
Sunday’s Family Friendly Show: Headlined by Aanchal Agrawal, with host Badar Tareen and performer Mahesh Kotagi.
Sunday’s Desi Women Takeover: Headlined by Aparna Nancherla, hosted by Malika Sen, closing the festival with an all-women South Asian comedy lineup.
Additional performers featured at the festival include Abby Govindan, Sabeen Sadiq, Sureni Weerasekera, and Shenuque Tissera, among others. All performers bring credits from major platforms including Netflix, HBO, Comedy Central, Amazon Prime, and the New York Comedy Festival.
Meet the Curator: Ali Mehedi
Ali Mehedi the festival’s curator is a Bangladeshi-born New York-based stand-up comedian, actor, and producer. A software architect turned comic, he moved to Canada before settling in New York, and has built a reputation on stage at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Halifax Comedy Festival, the New York Comedy Festival and on CBC Canada. He’s also the founder and producer of Laughing Lassi, the monthly South Asian comedy showcase that has sold out consistently for four years running and served as the springboard for this festival. At this year’s event, Mehedi wears multiple hats hosting Friday’s opening night and competing in Saturday’s Roast Battle.
Get Your Tickets
This historic festival represents a milestone for South Asian representation in comedy. With limited seating across all venues 650 total seats early bird pricing is available now. Visit the official festival website at southasiancomedyfest.com for complete details and to purchase tickets for all shows.
Whether you’re seeking unapologetic comedy, competitive roasting, family-friendly laughs, or women-centered performance, the NYC South Asian Comedy Festival offers something unforgettable. Join New York’s comedy community with Ali Mehedi for a festival that celebrates the voices, stories, and humor that define South Asian comedy today.
🔗 Discover More on TINDS News
Stay connected with the stories that matter — from culture and business to global headlines shaping our community. Explore more at Tinds.com ✨
