Urooj Ashfaq

Written by: Si Hawkins
Published: Friday 15th December 2023

It was the first of times, it was the worst of times. And recalling her life and times this week is Urooj Ashfaq, the Mumbai-based comedian who had a cracking 2023, and a big moment, winning the hugely coveted Best Newcomer award at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.

That tends to open doors and Ashfaq is now off on a debut UK tour, beginning at London's Soho Theatre in early January and winding up at The Wardrobe in Leeds in early Feb.

Fab. So how was that Fringe run, looking back?

"Thank you so much - it was a great experience to perform my show for a whole month," Urooj explains.

"My show changed over the course of my run, but the thing that changed considerably was my performance. Watching other comedians do their shows and feeling inspired by them and then doing your show everyday really helps you try things on stage you usually would not."

Fringe benefits indeed. Now let's go further back - and much further afield.

First gig?

My first gig was at the Canvas Laugh Club in Mumbai (now the place is shut), it was a five-minute spot, an open mic for first-timers. The open mics were usually hosted by professional comedians and mine was hosted by Atul Khatri.

Surprisingly it went really well and it gave me the confidence to get on stage again, and then I bombed every single spot for six months straight.

Favourite show, ever?

Now it has to be doing the Fringe!

Worst gig?

Also the Fringe! There were definitely one or two reviews that bothered me - it felt like they had an accurate assessment of my skill as a comedian but less understanding of my background as a comedian. Because I'm considered very edgy in India, it was interesting to be thought of as conservative in the UK. That said, I got over it and now I mainly just find it quite funny to be honest.

Which one person influenced your comedy life most significantly?

There are a lot of comics who have influenced my comedy life, and given me space and encouragement to perform and experiment. But I have definitely been most influenced by fellow comic Abhishek Upmanyu's attitude towards stand-up comedy, in terms of the joy I feel towards doing it and giving it the respect it deserves.

And who's the most disagreeable person you've come across in the business?

HA! Sorry, cannot complain to white people about my people. Please don't take my award back.

Is there one routine/gag you loved, that audiences inexplicably didn't?

There were divides on some gags which the Indian audiences were ready to laugh at but not so much the others, understandably so; they probably weren't sure if it was okay for them to laugh.

Any reviews, heckles or post-gig reactions stick in the mind?

Yes! My first five-star review; Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Daniel Sloss coming to watch the show and being so encouraging about it; and the audiences staying back to chat to me and tell what they liked (or even didn't like) about the show all really made me feel welcomed and accepted.

Has life changed significantly since late August, or largely gone back to normal?

Life has changed considerably because I'm able to do bigger rooms now, and I'm feeling a lot more confident and risky on stage!

How do you feel about where your career is at, right now?

Pretty great, but hey, life is very long and I'll probably find some way to mess it up.