A former contestant on CBS’ The Amazing Race, this comedian has earned quite a reputation for herself as a MUST-SEE comedic talent, performing more than 450 comedy shows over the past decade. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Aastha Lal. The Queens, NY native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she always own the laughs.
Name: Aastha Lal
Hometown: Queens NY/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @aastha.lal
Years in Comedy: 12
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Amazing Race 34
Comedic Influences: Wanda Sykes, Margaret Cho, & Sarah Silverman
Favorite Comedy Album: Wanda Sykes “Sick & Tired”
Favorite Comedy Special: Ali Wong “Baby Cobra”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Miss Congeniality
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Office
Favorite Comedic Character: Michael Scott (The Office)
Favorite City to Perform In: Toronto, CN
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Social Justice, Mental Health, Gender Equity…and my mom.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: WOMEN! and men are cool, too.
Favorite Comedy Club: Comedy Bar in Toronto, CN
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
In 2010, I took a 3 month stand-up comedy class and for the graduation, you had to perform in front of a live audience. I was INSANELY scared and nervous when they called my name to head to the stage. But once I heard my first laugh, I was in heaven. I thought, “I need to do this for the rest of my life…’cause this is the best feeling in the world.”
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
The amount of pure joy I felt when I kept getting laughs — I’ve never experienced anything like it.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Observational and Cultural.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Premise, Draft, Practice out loud in front of stuffed animals, Re-write, Perform in front of comics at open mics, then re-write to make better. Repeat 2x. Then perform in front of real people who are not comics.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Pretty active in LA!
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
1hr Netflix Special….that’s my dream!
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Sabrina Jalees, Dave Merheje, & Cameron Esposito
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Winning a comedy competition in my first 2 years of starting comedy. Then creating three 60-minute shows — all memorable moments!
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Not everyone is going to like you, and that’s okay! Do it for the ones that love you.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I’m a 5’2″ little Indian girl so they are a bit surprised.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
So much re-writing and performing and adjusting. And saying yes, to even the weirdest shows.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I wish I saw more POC women in comedy.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
“You’ll only be great if you are authentic with yourself and your audience.”
– The great Sabrina Jalees
That piece of advice changed my whole comedy career and allowed me to fully be my gay self on stage!
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Don’t Die of Constipation” A comedy show about letting go.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I once told DJ Khaled, “I love your athleisure clothing”. I was nervous.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
At the lobby of a busy hotel. It was such an odd place to have a comedy show!
An Aastha Lal Fun Fact:
I love googling pictures of Asian babies that are dressed like pandas.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Multiple 1 hour Netflix specials.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
If you are having fun telling the joke, the audience will feel it. Don’t forget to have fun.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I feel like we need to address the things that matter in the world. Comedians have the unique ability to comment on the world and change perspectives to drive less hate. We need to use this weapon of goodness.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
“The Office” the episode would be Kelly Kapoor’s wedding and it would be a 4-day event.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Laugh Factory in LA with my faves: Sabrina Jalees, Dave Merheje, Cameron Esposito
What’s next for you:
I’m working on a new special that will be released in Jan 2023!
Why should a person always laugh at life:
My partner and I went on The Amazing Race and got eliminated first. My partner was so sad. And I was like, this is the funniest thing to ever happen to a comedian. Because, at the end of the day, laughing keeps us from crying!
Follow Aastha Lal’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @aastha.lal
Youtube: Aastha Lal
Personal Website: Aastha Lal
