Subhah Agarwal is not Amy Schumer, as it turns out
Subhah Agarwal grew up in a small town north of Chicago where a teacher once gave up on pronouncing her name and decided to call her “happy.” This is a true story. Subhah was not happy. Subhah has since become a headlining comedian who has appeared on Comedy Central, Tru Tv, and MTV. She is currently writing on The Jim Jefferies Show for Comedy Central. Follow her.
Favorite response to a heckler or troll?
Make fun of what they’re wearing. I know, very highbrow stuff here.
Describe your worst gig.
I did a show in a comedy club for a room full of tourists who were lied to and told Amy Schumer was going to be there. It was so quiet I could hear a napkin fold. Also the host forgot I was on stage so I did 20 minutes instead of 7. But I survived!
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young female comedian?
You will often not be give the respect you deserve. Believe in yourself.
What’s your first impulse when someone says “women aren’t funny”?
It’s just unfounded bigotry.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
The dream of creating a great special.
Was there one person who inspired you to become a comedian? If so, who, why, how?
Russell Peters — the first Indian I ever saw do standup.
Feelings about the word “comedienne”?
I don’t take offense to it, but it is irritating that the word makes my job immediately differentiated and gendered in people’s minds.
Single word that always cracks you up?
Düsseldorf.
How has being funny helped you in your offstage life, either recently or when you were younger?
I’m grateful I know how to tell a story. It makes me better at parties.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Go out and ask for things. No one will just give them to you.
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
“Do more Indian shit.” 😒
Subhah Agarwal grew up in a small town north of Chicago where a teacher once gave up on pronouncing her name and decided to call her ‘happy.’ This is a true story. Subhah was not happy. Subhah has since become a headlining comedian who has appeared on Comedy Central, Tru Tv, and MTV. She is currently writing on The Jim Jefferies Show for Comedy Central. Follow her.