1. Let's start from the beginning. Was there a specific moment that made you realize stand-up comedy was your calling?
There wasn't a specific "aha" moment. It was quite accidental. I was doing theatre in college, and a friend who was hosting an open mic invited me to fill an empty spot. It went surprisingly well. I tried it a second time, then a third, and those went well too. From there, things just took off organically.
2. Every comedian has a unique origin story. Do you remember the first joke you ever told on stage, and how did the audience react?
I started with jokes about teenage life since I had just turned 22 and was fresh out of my teenage years. My comedy journey actually began with sketches I used to write, shoot, and post on YouTube during college. They weren't that great, so they’re not online anymore. But when my friend asked me to do that first open mic, I drew from my experiences as a teenager, and it clicked.
3. Stand-up comedy is constantly evolving. How do you keep your material fresh and relevant?
The world is constantly changing, and as a comedian, you evolve with it. Your thoughts, emotions, and perspective shift over time, so I draw inspiration from whatever is happening in my life at that moment or my current take on the world. That’s how I keep my material fresh.
4. Bombing on stage is a rite of passage for comedians. Can you share a time when a set didn't go as planned, and what you learned from it?
Bombing is definitely part of the journey. There have been times when my set just didn't land, and I'd have to improvise with some crowd work or try different bits, but sometimes nothing works. You just get off stage thinking, “Well, that was rough,” and move on. I remember once bombing so hard that the host got back on stage with a rehearsed line like, “Oh, what a performance! That was hilarious!” which was, ironically, the most embarrassing part.
5. If you could go back and give your younger comedic self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I’d tell myself to get on stage more and write as often as possible. There's no substitute for stage time and writing.
6. With over 2 million followers, you've mastered connecting with audiences both online and offline. What's your secret to keeping them coming back for more?
Honestly, I don’t have a secret formula. It’s all trial and error. I try new things, hope they work, and if they don’t, I refine them and try again. It’s a continuous process of writing, performing, perfecting, and hoping for the best.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring comedians just starting out?
The advice is simple and universal: get on stage as much as possible, write consistently, and maximize your stage time. There's no shortcut to putting in the work.
8. Collaboration is crucial in the creative industry. Are there any comedians or creators you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
Absolutely! There are many comedians and artists I’d love to collaborate with, most of whom are already friends. I’ve been brainstorming ideas for collaborations, so stay tuned for some exciting content that I hope you'll enjoy!
Bio:
Gurleen Pannu is a rising star in the world of stand-up comedy, known for her sharp observations, relatable anecdotes, and humorous takes on the dynamics of a typical Indian household. Hailing from Chandigarh, Gurleen uses her ethnic roots and keen sense of humor to craft stories that resonate with audiences, especially those from northern India. Her comedy blends Punjabi and Hindi, offering a unique narrative style filled with wit and charm. From everyday family drama to the quirks of conventional Indian life, Gurleen's humor strikes a chord with anyone who appreciates a good laugh infused with cultural flavor.
Interviewed by: Mishika Goel
Edited by: Mishika Goel
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