Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Around the world with eight fantastically funny females

Around the world with eight fantastically funny females

TAKE A TRIP WITH THE COMEDY QUEENS ADDING A NEW DIMENSION TO A MALE DOMINATED DOMAIN

by ASJAD NAZIR


GLASS ceilings that existed in the comedy world have been smashed globally by a new generation of fiercely talented funny girls who have brought something new and added a different dimension to all areas of the field.

The comedy stars are at different points in their respective careers and using the genre in diverse ways, but they are connected by the love of making people smile. With no one being able to freely travel due to restrictions, Eastern Eye decided to take readers on a free trip around the world with the help of eight funny females everyone is falling in love with.

Sukh Ojla BlackTop

Sukh Ojla - United Kingdom: The British actress turned stand-up comedian has had a remarkable rise in a relatively short space of time and in 2020 headlined her first national UK tour. The Punjabi princess of British comedy landed a book deal and has regularly been making high-profile appearances on television, including cult comedy series Mock The Week. With more projects on the way, including finishing her popular tour and headlining high-profile shows, Sukh is set to soar even further in coming years. Instagram & Twitter: @SukjOjla

Kaneez Surka at 221451

Kaneez Surka – South Africa: Born and raised in Mthatha, South Africa, the comedian, actress and YouTuber has enjoyed great success. She has done everything from stand-up comedy, improv and funny online videos to a lot of high-profile collaborations in India. The funny girl gained international attention as a judge on Amazon Prime series Comicstaan, which is a stand-up comedy competition and has hosted hilarious Bumble podcast Is Romance Dead. She has never shied away from taboo topics in her comedy and has also been hosting a popular comedy improv battle on YouTube. Twitter & Instagram: @kaneezsurka

Faiza Saleem  n

Faiza Saleem – Pakistan: The lawyer turned comedian has become a trailblazer in Pakistan and proving to be a major game-changer in the country. Her comedy sketches posted on social media and video sharing sites like YouTube have been watched by millions globally. She also founded Pakistan's first female comedy troupe, The Khawatoons, and inspired a new generation to follow in her footsteps. Faiza also promotes body positivity and has dared to be different every step of the way in a conservative country, which has subsequently led to a rapidly growing fanbase. Instagram: FaizaSaleem90 & Facebook: @faizasaleempage

saloni 0026

Saloni Gaur – India: One of the fastest rising comedy stars in the world hasn’t let Covid-19 halt her progress and has been unstoppable. The superbly talented student has lit up social media with her hilarious Hindi language videos and got herself a huge following very quickly, including big-named celebrities. The stars who love her include ones she has satirised brilliantly. She landed her own sketch show on a streaming site, which is nothing like anything that has been broadcast in India before. The massive momentum means the jewel in India’s comedy crown will be sparkling internationally soon. Twitter & Instagram: @Salonayyy

Raba Khan 2 o

Raba Khan - Bangladesh: The comedy queen from Dhaka in Bangladesh has entertained millions with her hilarious videos on YouTube and been dubbed as the country’s first famous female comedian. The young sensation launched her YouTube channel The Jhakanaka Project in 2014 as a 15-year-old and seen it grow to over 276,000 subscribers. She regularly shares funny videos and has become a household name, but also gone beyond comedy with a fashion line and a best-selling book. The Bangladeshi game-changer is regularly featured on lists of young influencers and is set to rise further in coming years. Facebook: @RabaKhan2013 & Instagram: @RabaKhan

Geraldine Viswanathan credit Frazer Harrison Getty Images (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Geraldine Viswanathan – Australia: The talented 25-year-old Australian actress has smashed her way into Hollywood. She made her breakthrough in 2018 comedy Blockers and in 2020 made the leap to leading lady with critically acclaimed film The Broken Hearts Gallery. The fabulously funny film won the hearts of audiences and set up the young actress for a comedy career in international cinema. Her high-profile forthcoming projects include providing the lead voice for computer-animated sports comedy Rumble. Instagram: @yoyogeraldine & Twitter: @yoyogeraldinev

Lilly Singh 50 n

Lilly Singh – Canada: The YouTube comedy queen has gone from entertaining millions of subscribers on the  video sharing site to getting her own boundary-breaking prime time talk show A Little Late With Lilly Singh. In 2020, she also got herself hilarious series Sketchy Times With Lilly Singh and signed projects, including providing her voice for a high-profile animated Hollywood project. The comedy superwoman has a strong following with young people and high-profile fans that include big-named Hollywood stars. The cool Canadian is hot property and has become a very strong role model. Twitter & Instagram: @Lilly

Mindy Kaling – USA: Arguably the most successful south Asian funny girl in the world, Mindy Kaling is a multi-talented star, who has skilfully balanced acting, writing and producing. She has delivered high-profile hit TV comedies, web serials and movies, which have all been connected by comedy and making millions laugh. The hard-working star has multiple comedy irons in fire and will continue to climb the Hollywood ladder at a rapid rate. If breaking glass ceilings in American film and TV wasn’t enough, marvellous Mindy is also a best-selling author with multiple books to her name and shown a new generation of women that anything is possible. Twitter & Instagram: @mindykaling

More For You

Why helping ageing parents is precious

As our parents age, we embrace new roles in their lives with compassion and care.

Why helping ageing parents is precious

AS OUR parents’ health begins to deteriorate, one of the hardest things in life is watching them age. Some can no longer walk for more than 10 minutes, and their memory isn’t what it used to be. There are also hidden complications associated with ageing.

I grew up in a working-class family. My dad was named Simba when he lived back in Zanzibar, Africa. He swam in the open ocean and ran for miles. The joinery skills he learned from his father have been passed down to my brother and me. My mum worked long hours sewing and in factories to provide for us, ensuring we had everything we needed. She also taught me never to rely on anyone for anything, which has shaped me into the strong, independent woman I am today.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spring-clock-change-iStock

Circadian rhythms regulate physiological processes in living organisms, including plants, animals, and even bacteria. (Photo: iStock)

How the spring clock change impacts sleep and health

EVERY YEAR, about a quarter of the world's population adjusts their clocks for daylight saving time (DST).

While it may seem like a small change, some experience fatigue, irritability, and brain fog in the days that follow. For night owls, the adjustment can take weeks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Reconnecting with lost Eid traditions

Bring the past into the present for a richer celebration

Reconnecting with lost Eid traditions

EID is a joyous time filled with unity, reflection, and celebration.

While the essence of the celebration has remained unchanged across centuries, the way this special day is celebrated has evolved, with many older traditions being replaced by modern practices and technological advancements.

Keep ReadingShow less
Reconnecting with lost Eid traditions: Bringing meaning back to modern celebrations

Eid offers new ways to mark the occasion

Reconnecting with lost Eid traditions: Bringing meaning back to modern celebrations

REVIVING OLD CUSTOMS CAN ADD MORE MEANING TO FESTIVALS Reconnecting with lost Eid traditions EID celebrations have evolved over time, beautifully blending tradition with modernity. While many older practices remain, new ways of celebrating the special day, influenced by technology and changing lifestyles, are keeping the spirit of Eid alive in a more globalised world. Here are some newer customs that have been fully embraced by modern society in a positive way.

Virtual: In the past, the only way to connect with loved ones far away was through long-distance phone calls, which were limited due to their high cost. Now, Zoom gatherings allow many people from around the world to connect at once.

Keep ReadingShow less
Top 5 luxury hotels for an opulent Ramadan stay

From Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab to Geneva’s ultra-exclusive Hotel President Wilson, these breath-taking destinations redefine opulence with gourmet Iftars, private Suhoors, and five-star hospitality

iStock

Top 5 luxury hotels for an opulent Ramadan stay in 2025

As the crescent moon signals the arrival of Ramadan, the world's most prestigious hotels bring us experiences that merges spiritual reflection with luxury. For discerning travellers looking to just upgrade their holy month, these five iconic properties offer not just the Iftar experiences but also, memories woven with gold threads of opulence.

1.Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai - Seven-star dreams meet Ramadan traditions

Keep ReadingShow less