Sumukhi Suresh

Written by: Si Hawkins
Published: Tuesday 6th August 2024

One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week that person is Sumukhi Suresh, from Mumbai, part of Soho Theatre's stable of acts at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. How would Suresh describe her show?

"Hoemonal is me failing at being a 'hoe' in my 30s while dealing with hormonal imbalance, PCOS, not wanting motherhood," she explains. "Chances of me dying alone are very high but I've been told that's not ideal and very uncool. So Hoemonal is my plea for everyone to make dying alone cool."

But not an event to bring the whole family to, perhaps. And particularly not Suresh's mother, who wasn't wildly keen on her previous show, Don't Tell Amma, apparently. Will this one go down better?

"That's a 100% no. I have not told my mom I can't have babies and I am prepping the world to make dying alone more acceptable: she will flip. Although that would make for great content."

And that's one noticeable aspect of this year's festival, big crowds for the content providers. Sumukhi's own career kick-started with her own YouTube series, Behti Naak, followed by her own Amazon Prime Video creation, Pushpavalli, plus movies, reality TV, and more. So how is her fringe going so far?

"Edinburgh Fringe is truly an explosion of art and performance. To watch different shows, to meet different artists and to interact with the audience has been superb. I never looked at my show being relatable on a global level, but the Fringe has given me a chance to see that it is. The core of my show is resonating with people and I love that."

That's what it's all about. Sumukhi Suresh, your Random 8 await.

What was your childhood career dream?

To be a gynaecologist. It's funny that one of the main bits of my show is about my gynaecologist.

Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?

[Fellow comedian] Sumaira Shaikh. She is the best friend I made in my 30s who has the most interesting, honest and funniest response to everything. Her intuition, emotional intelligence and empathy is so aspirational.

What's the worst thing in your wardrobe?

This top that I will never wear because it's the worst fit ever but I won't throw it because that will mean I made a mistake by buying it.

Your favourite device?

My laptop because all adult decisions are taken on the laptop. Like this interview was answered on a laptop.

Which historical figure should get more attention?

Sarojini Naidu was a political activist and freedom fighter. I would love to know more stories about her role in the freedom movement and what it was like to not be bogged down by the world around then.

Is there a book, movie or show that changed your life?

Book - Palace of Illusion. The yearning and anger of Draupadi truly made me look at writing romance differently.

Show - Veep. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is everything I want to be. Selina Meyer is the best character I have ever watched. If I am down, an episode of Veep is all I need.

Which place you've visited was the biggest anti-climax?

I stayed in Oslo for a week while touring Europe. I decided to stay there for a week because Oslo is not the kind of location I would stay. I thought I was going to have a great experience but I was hit by the winter of Nordics. I stayed indoors almost the whole time.

Your most memorable injury?

A few comics and I were walking back from a show. My shoe got stuck in my harem pants, I tripped and my knee hit a granite ledge of sorts. It ripped open and you could see my bone. It was a clean cut so the bleeding was actually pretty controlled. The knee jokes while I was getting stitches at 1:30AM is one of my most cherished moments.

Sumukhi Suresh: Hoemonal was at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024.