Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Stand-up star Salman Malik on using comedy to build bridges

TALENTED stand-up comedian Salman Malik has gone beyond solo sets and began organising inventive shows that bring together diverse talent.

He will follow up his India versus Pakistan comedy clash shows with new offering Arabs vs Asians, which commences a UK tour at Mac Theatre in Birmingham on February 13.


The laughter filled tour will see British stand-up comedians of Arab and South Asian origin take to the stage for an evening of fun.

Eastern Eye caught up with funny man Salman Malik to talk about comedy and the new tour.

What first made you want to do stand-up comedy?

I started making YouTube videos in 2006 and was one of the first Asians to do this. Having grown up being quite shy, it helped me come out of my comfort zone and build confidence.

I was inspired by many stand-up comedians such as Russell Peters, but it was not until I watched Michael McIntyre skip around on stage at Wembley Arena that I decided to give stand-up a shot myself. His energy and enthusiasm spoke to me.

How do you feel being on stage?

It’s a rollercoaster of ups and downs. You never know how your audience will react until you deliver the punch lines. It can be nerve racking and give you an adrenalin rush at the same time.

Tell us about your new tour and what can audiences expect?

The Arabs vs Asians stand-up comedy show is my latest concept. It features award-winning and hilarious British Asian and Arab comedians from all over the UK. It aims to unite Asian and Arab communities under one roof. The two cultures have so many similarities that the comedians play on. The crowd can expect a high-energy show with live brilliant comedy. We get the crowd involved so there is a real sense of togetherness.

You did an India vs Pakistan comedy clash. How was the response?

We did it in March 2019. At that time, India-Pakistan tensions were high, and they were literally on the brink of a war. What amazed me is that people from both communities came in huge numbers, and we gave a message of peace and love. Art has no boundaries.

How does it feel being part of a line-up featuring great stand-up comedy talent and is there any friendly rivalry?

I am blessed to have an amazing line-up of comedians for our upcoming tour. All are brilliant within their own styles. The comedians play on the similarities and differences between each of our cultures.

How much of your comedy is based on real life?

A lot comes from my experiences, my love for Bollywood and my journey from a village in Pakistan to the first world in Hounslow (London).

Who is the funniest person you know in real life?

That’s a hard one. I find so many people funny.

Has being funny helped you in your own life?

Being funny makes you a likeable character, and it has helped me get free food. It has also got me in trouble many times as sarcasm is not everyone’s cup of tea.

Are there any funny things that have happened to you that you wouldn’t share in a stand-up set?

Nothing is off limits. A lot of the time you can depend on the crowd and the amount of room there is to push boundaries.

What don’t you find funny?

Internet trolls.

Why do you love comedy?

You can be yourself and create your own individual style.

Why should we come to your latest tour?

It’s an exciting concept, where you can watch five comedians. Every comedian comes from a different background and has something unique to offer. We had an amazing feedback after the last show.

Visit www.PlanYourEntertainment.com, www.salmanmalikofficial.com

More For You

Asian community

Menopause is a universal transition - one every woman will experience in her lifetime

iStock

Breaking the silence: Why Asian women must talk about menopause

Kiran Singh

For many women in the Asian community, the journey through perimenopause and menopause is still shrouded in silence, confusion, and, at times, shame. It’s often seen as something we just have to “put up with” quietly, as though struggling through it alone is a badge of honour. But the truth is, menopause is a universal transition - one every woman will experience in her lifetime - and it is time we start talking about it, especially within our cultural communities where silence often masks suffering.

We all go through it - so why don’t we talk about it?

Menopause doesn’t arrive overnight. For most women, it begins subtly during perimenopause, which can start as early as your late 30s or early 40s and last for several years. According to the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), over 30 recognised symptoms of perimenopause range from hot flushes and night sweats to anxiety, low mood, brain fog, and joint pain.

Keep ReadingShow less
The indispensable role of Sadhus(saints) in Hinduism

Saints and Gurus have been guiding Hindu society for thousands of years, shaping both spiritual and social life

iStock

The indispensable role of Sadhus(saints) in Hinduism

Nitin Mehta

Dharmic religions or religions that have their roots in India, namely Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism, have a very interactive relationship with spiritual leaders and Gurus. Going back tens of thousands of years, saints have influenced and guided Hindu society. The most powerful king would respect his Guru or a saint and act upon his instructions. These sages typically lived in forests in pursuit of a spiritual life. They were also experts on issues that related to running a peaceful and just society. They were conversant in warfare and the art of diplomacy.

When a holy man or a saint made an entry into an assembly of politicians, the whole gathering including the king would stand up to receive him. The king would touch the feet of the sage as a mark of great respect. This tradition of touching the feet of a Guru or an elder is still prevalent in India today. Children will typically touch the feet of elders as a form of greeting. There is something magical about bowing down to your seniors or your mentors. There is humility, respect and a soul to soul meeting.

Keep ReadingShow less
How AI and music could transform dementia care for south Asians

AI tunes into dementia needs

How AI and music could transform dementia care for south Asians

THE recent World Health Congress Awards in Mumbai were a revelation. Stepping into that room overlooking the Arabian Sea, I was surrounded by pioneers and individuals shaping the future of healthcare with bold ideas.

Amid the buzz of innovation, one topic resonated deeply: dementia. It was not just the medical complexities, but the human stories, the silent struggles of carers, and the potential for technology to bridge the widening gaps in care.

Keep ReadingShow less
Great guide to building healthy eating habits

Good nutrition is the foundation of an active lifestyle

Great guide to building healthy eating habits

Nesreen G and Jayeeta Dutta

PHYSICAL exercise is important when it comes to fitness, but what we fuel our body with plays an equally vital role in achieving sustainable results.

The key to long-term fitness success is developing mindful eating habits that nourish the body and soul, enhance performance and help maintain a healthy lifestyle. This does not necessarily mean following a restrictive diet or complicated meal plans. It is about finding a sustainable balance that works for you.

Keep ReadingShow less
Easter foods

Easter food traditions reveal the deep connection between culinary heritage and faith

iStock

9 traditional Easter foods from around the world

Easter is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar, and across the globe, it’s marked with a variety of traditional foods. While customs differ by country, food plays a central role in how families come together to honour the occasion. Here are nine traditional Easter foods from different parts of the world.

1. Hot Cross Buns – United Kingdom

A classic Easter treat in Britain, hot cross buns are sweet, spiced buns made with dried fruits and marked with a white cross. Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, they symbolise the crucifixion of Jesus. Today, they are enjoyed throughout the Easter period, often lightly toasted and spread with butter.

Keep ReadingShow less