Why We Need to Laugh, Every Day
Laughter is more than just a break, it’s a return. A return to lightness, to presence, to being fully alive. In a world that often feels overwhelming, too fast, too serious, too much, humor becomes a quiet act of self-preservation. A reminder that even in the heaviness, joy still has a place. It’s not frivolous. It’s foundational. Laughter lowers stress, strengthens our immune system, builds connection, and invites us to see the world, ourselves, each other, with a little more grace.
Whether you're juggling identities, navigating uncertainty, or simply getting through the day, humor offers perspective. It helps us hold complexity without being consumed by it. It transforms tension into togetherness. So keep it close. Let laughter live on your feed, in your group chat, around your dinner table.
Because a moment of shared joy is never small. It’s a reset. A release. A reminder that even in the hardest seasons, lightness is still ours to choose.
Who to Follow
Whether it’s auntie jokes, immigrant hustle punchlines, or smart satire on dating apps and democracy, these comedians are redefining American stand-up, one mic drop at a time. Here’s who to follow (and stream, and see live) right now:
Household Names (Start Here)
Comic | Must-Watch Special / Clip | Why Watch in 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Hasan Minhaj | @hasanminhaj | Netflix: Off With His Head (2024) | Satire on politics and beige guilt; trending for timely cultural commentary amid elections. |
Aziz Ansari | @azizansari | Netflix: Nightclub Comedian (2022) | Intimate takes on modern life; active in acting crossovers like rom-coms. |
Hari Kondabolu | @harikondabolu | YouTube: Full special Vacation Baby (2023) | Sharp immigrant hustle punchlines; relevant for ongoing diaspora discussions. |
Aparna Nancherla | @aparnapkin | YouTube: Comedy Central: The Half Hour | Witty anxiety and identity humor; featured in 2025 AAPI spotlights. |
Kumail Nanjiani | @kumailn | YouTube: Beta Male: Classic 2013 set | Pop culture satire; big in Hollywood (e.g., Marvel), inspiring rising talents. |
Zarna Garg | @zarnagarg | Fresh family-focused laughs; trending post-July 2025 release, with NYT bestseller tie-in. | |
Mindy Kaling | @mindykaling | Behind-the-scenes humor; 2025 projects amplify her as a comedy icon. | |
Russell Peters | @russellpeters | Global punchlines; evergreen for immigrant stories. | |
Vir Das | @virdas | Emmy-nominated diaspora satire; U.S. tours in 2025 make him essential viewing. |
Rising Stars to Bookmark
Comic | Jump-In Clip | Why Watch in 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Fareeha Khan | @fareeeezy | Punchy satire on dating and culture. | |
Adam Mamawala | @adammamawala | Touring major venues; rising AAPI star for sports/politics humor. | |
Sahib Singh | @sahibcantsingh | Career satire; viral Reels. | |
Alingon Mitra | @alingonmitra | Interactive gold; club favorites. | |
Rajiv Satyal | @funnyindian | Diaspora anthems; evergreen virality. | |
Nimesh Patel | @nimeshpatel | Liquor store kid satire; Netflix breakout trending. | |
Akaash Singh | @akaashsingh | Podcast fame and bold takes; active in 2025 discourse. |
Emerging & Experimental Voices
Comic | First-Look Video | Why Watch in 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Usama Siddiquee | @usamastandsup | Satirical identity bits. | |
Dhaya Lakshminarayanan | @dhayalakshminarayanan | Queer South Asian stories; festival innovator. | |
Alaudin Ullah | @alaudinullah | Storytelling on Harlem roots; experimental docu-comedy. | |
Abby Govindan | @abbygovindan | Rising Indian American comic based in NYC. |
Pro Tip: Many of these comics drop crowd-work gold on Instagram Reels first, follow their handles so you don’t miss tour announcements or surprise club sets. Please note: Links may change due to streaming rights; search by title for the latest.
How to Keep Your Feed Funny Side Up
Hit “Subscribe” on YouTube after watching one link, algorithm will surface newer festival sets.
Follow Laughing Lassi (@laughinglassi) for monthly NYC showcases starring many “On the Rise” names.
Watch the festivals: Desi Comedy Fest (Bay Area) and South Asian Strand at NY Comedy Festival spotlight the next wave each year.
Save links off-platform so you can track specials before streaming rights change.
Why it matters: These comics aren’t just funny, they’re expanding what it means to be South Asian and American on stage. If you needed an excuse to queue a special or buy a ticket, this is it. Now queue up a clip, text your cousin’s cousin the link, and enjoy the diaspora belly laughs. 🎤
Loved this? There’s more brewing every week. ☕