A stand-up comedian, writer, and content creator known for his sharp observational humor, relatable storytelling, and effortlessly conversational stage presence. Blending personal experiences with witty takes on modern life, relationships, and cultural identity, Nitish has built a growing fanbase through live performances, viral online clips, and appearances across the comedy scene. His style combines laid-back charisma with clever punchlines, making him a standout voice among today’s rising comedians. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Nitish Sakhuja. The Toronto, Ontario, Canada native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Nitish Sakhuja
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram//Tik-Tok: @nittysak
Years in Comedy: 16
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Sirius XM, Don’t Tell Comedy, Just For Laughs, CBC
Comedic Influences: Dave Chappelle, Patrice Oneal, Russell Peters, Bill Hicks, & Louis CK
Favorite Comedy Album: Patrice O’Neal “Elephant in the Room”
Favorite Comedy Special: First time seeing Russell Peters Comedy Now special is what did it for me.
Favorite Comedy Movie: Superbad
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Simpsons
Favorite Comedic Character: Michael Scott
Favorite City to Perform In: Toronto
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Things that are uncomfortable to most people. Currently having a fun time developing a bit on suicide.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: People who want to see comedy.
Favorite Comedy Club: The Corner Comedy Club/The Comedy Store
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
When I tried for the first time when I was 19.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
Most probably the adrenaline rush and the feeling that I was actually good at something.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Laid back and darkly clever.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I like to get on stage and work out my thoughts. There’s nothing like the rush of being on stage to guide the muse and find the humor.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
LA the biggest scene in the world. You get to see where you stand next to the most famous comics in the world.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Any comic making a comfortable living and isn’t struggling is a success to me. It’s a very hard thing to do.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Chris Robinson, Ryan Long, Danny Martinello, Jarret Campbell, Marito Lopez, Saul Trujillo, & Drew Behm
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Getting signed to Comedy Records, then getting them to get me a visa and bring me to America.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
The real gift is the journey and the people you meet along the way. Comedy doesn’t owe you anything, so don’t expect anything. Just enjoy the ride and try to be kind along the way.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They tell me to make them laugh. Tell me a joke then??
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
“Sometimes maybe shit, sometimes maybe good.”
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I would bring back a talent-based system vs. the how many tickets can you sell system. But also maybe that’s just coming from someone who’s a little salty, as I’m still on the come up in terms of social media.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Make sure you spend time outside of comedy. With people and experiences. Don’t make standup for everything in your life. You need space from it to grow in it.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“What the hell is going on?”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
When I first moved to LA, I was hanging out with Russell Peters one night, and he took me to the store. And he ran into Orny Adams (whom I love and find very inspiring, but also have never met before), and they started talking, and Orny had no idea who I was and yelled at me in Orny fashion for being so close to him. (Which he later apologized for – but it was awesome and hilarious).
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A pool or a driveway.
A Nitish Sakhuja Fun Fact:
I love philosophy and mushrooms, and I like to go deeeeep!
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Around the world with enough money in my pocket to not worry about stuff.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Get on stage and get your 10000 hours in.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think the pendulum is swinging back to normality. I think, and I hope, funny will win over everything.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
King of the Hill or The Simpsons. I would make it an episode where they have to visit Canada.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Comedy Store Main Room. Dave Chappelle is hosting and Chris Rock, Louis CK and myself.
What’s next for you:
Who knows. Hopefully more comedy. I’m here to go with the flow and go wherever the laughter takes me.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because it’s short and there’s nothing better than laughing. It’s the cure to the soul.
Follow Nitish Sakhuja’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Tik-Tok: Nitish Sakhuja
Youtube: Nitish Sakhuja
Personal Website: Nitish Sakhuja
