Many legendary comedians started their careers in comedy with school teachers or special school programs giving them the opportunity to share their talents in front of their peers. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Vinayak Pal. The Santa Clara, CA native shares with us some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and why he owns the laughs.
Name: Vinayak Pal
Hometown: Santa Clara, CA/Pasadena, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @vpalcomedy
Years in Comedy: 5 years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Dry Bar Comedy and opened for Russell Peters.
Comedic Influences: Russell Peters, George Carlin, Gabriel Iglesias, Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle, Patrice O’Neal, Ralphie May, and Jo Koy.
Favorite Comedy Album: Patrice O’ Neal “Elephant in the Room”
Favorite Comedy Special: Russell Peters “Notorious”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Rush Hour 3
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Citizen Khan
Favorite Comedic Character: Sean Connery on SNL Jeopardy
Favorite City to Perform In: New York City and Dallas, TX
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Race, Religion, Family Dynamic, & Relationships
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: One that’s down to laugh!
Favorite Comedy Club: San Jose Improv
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
One night I was watching YouTube videos of big comedians (George Carlin, Chris Rock, Gabriel Iglesias, and Russell Peters), and I was like, “Yea… I want to do this!”
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I forgot my whole set when I got on stage.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Edgey and friendly at the same time.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I write down things I am opinionated about or that have happened to me, and I find ways to punch them up.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
In LA things are competitive!!! You need to find a close circle of comics you can trust, and as a group, succeed.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Based on how well you can handle different audiences and what you have done with your career (e.g. late night, specials, touring, etc.)
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Jim McCue, Mike Perkins, and Raj Sharma
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Opening for Russell Peters. I cried while I met him!
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
What matters is that you get back up and keep writing and performing.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They really want to hang out with me and get to know what it’s like to be a comedian.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It has been one hell of a ride. I started when I was 16, and learning how to craft jokes, get booked, and the tour has been a big curve. Luckily, I met many veterans who helped guide me, and I am doing pretty well for myself.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
The comedic atmosphere. Most comics are depressed, drunk, drugged, or some other crappy “d” word. It’s kind of sad, and I would like the scene to be more uplifting.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Don’t let others drag you down. Keep doing it and kick ass.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Holi Wars”. It’s a play on the Hindu festival Holi and the religious humor I do.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Craig Robinson was drunk at the Improv and he offered me drinks, but I was underage.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Comic book store.
A Vinayak Pal Fun Fact:
I used to put mayonnaise as a topping on my pizza.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Touring all over the world, coming out with specials frequently, and starring in funny movies and shows.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Own the stage the moment you step on it.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
It’s going to come back slowly, and the big thing to focus on is creating comedic TV.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
It would be on “That 70’s Show” and the episode where an Indian foreign exchange student enters the school and Fez challenges him to a contest on who is the most F.O.B.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Apollo Theater with Russell Peters, Gabriel Iglesias, and Jo Koy.
What’s next for you:
Selling a TV show I have been working on and updating my social media accounts.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
It enriches your life!
Watch Vinayak Pal at The San Jose Improv in San Jose, CA:
Follow Vinayak Pal on all forms of social media at:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @vpalcomedy
