Zarna Garg’s best advice: stage time, stage time, stage time
Zarna Garg is a Tiktok comedy sensation with over 45 million views. She has a headlining show at Carolines on Broadway called “Sari, Not Sorry” and is also an award-winning screenwriter with a feature film and sitcom TV show in development. She recently won one of the defining competitions for women comedians, the Ladies of Laughter 2021 Newcomer Award, and was also named one of New York City’s Top 100 Inspiring Small Businesses during the pandemic by the Thank You Small Business initiative. She also appeared on Kevin Hart’s newly launched comedy series on Peacock, called Lyft Comics.
Favorite response to a heckler or troll?
Did my mother-in-law pay you?
Describe your worst gig.
A restaurant show where a drunk guy not only heckled but interrupted and interfered with the set. My horrified husband and kids had to watch.
What were you like as a teen? (Did you have comedy #goals? Were you already funny, or not so much?)
I didn’t know standup comedy was a thing, but I was funny anyway. I’ve given away millions of dollars worth of content.
What’s your first impulse when someone says “women aren’t funny”?
How’s life in the dark ages?
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
People telling me how much joy I was bringing them during the most difficult times in their lives.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Stage time stage time stage time.
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
Try to look young and fuckable.
How has being funny helped you in your offstage life, either recently or when you were younger?
Humor is an art, it’s entertainment, and it’s a weapon when used wisely. Comedy has helped me open doors my whole life. I get invited places because people know I’ll keep the mood light. That’s helpful, especially for example at funerals.
Favorite response to “What’s it like to be a woman in comedy”? (If applicable.)
It’s just as comfortable as being a woman in the real world.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy? If so: Who, why, how?
No.
Feelings about the word “comedienne”?
I don’t care. I don’t overthink this stuff. Buy my tickets and call it whatever you want.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young (female/non-binary) comedian?
Don’t hold back and don’t try to please anyone. Just say what’s on your mind and trust that people will find it funny.
What single word always cracks you up?
Palpable..
