As said by Milton Berle:

Laughter is the best medicine in the world.

If you ask me a few names who have made me laugh the most in my life, then undoubtedly these women deserve a special mention. I've had the privilege of growing up in an era where these women made me laugh till my jaws hurt on the gloomiest days of my life. The remarkable contributions of these female comedians who have not only broken barriers but also redefined humour in our country, made us laugh, challenged societal norms, and created their legacy in a male-dominated industry are nothing but inspirational and empowering.

Bharti Singh: The Laughter Queen

Bharti Singh's rise in the comedy scene is nothing short of inspirational. Belonging from Amritsar, Punjab, she transformed personal challenges into comedy has captivated the Indian audience through her charm, wit, and jokes. Her portrayal of the child character "Lalli" in "The Great Indian Laughter Challenge" portrayed her unique ability to blend innocence with a sharp wit. This performance not only earned her widespread recognition throughout the country but also paved the way for future female comedians in a predominantly male industry.

Her journey from a contestant to a co-host on shows like "Comedy Nights Bachao" showcases her growth and adaptability in the entertainment industry. Bharti's ability to connect with audiences, and make them laugh with her effortless humour without vulgarity has made her a household name.

Aditi Mittal: Women Gone Rogue

Aditi Mittal is another name that resonates deeply within the Indian comedy circuit. Recognized as one of the first female stand-up comedians in India, Aditi's humor often delves into topics considered taboo, challenging societal norms with grace and wit. Her solo show, "Things They Wouldn't Let Me Say," is a testament to her fearless approach to comedy, addressing subjects like gender dynamics and societal expectations. Aditi's contribution has been phenomenal in creating a space for women in stand-up comedy.

Sumukhi Suresh: Comedy with Versatility

Sumukhi Suresh began her career as an improv artist, later moving on to making YouTube videos on her channel as well as in collaboration with other comedians like Naveen Richard. After some of her videos where she played a character called Behti Naak, went viral, she was approached by Prime Video who then cast her in her own Prime Video original, Pushpavalli. She also appeared as a host alongside Anish Mathew in Comicstaan Season 1 and appeared as a judge in Comicstaan Season 2. 

Neeti Palta: From Ads to Stage

Neeti Palta brings a unique perspective to Indian comedy. She left a lucrative position in one of India’s largest ad agencies to provide voice-over for the Indian version of Sesame Street, Galli Galli Sim Sim. Neeti's performances are characterized by their sharp wit and cultural relativity, offering fresh insights into everyday situations.

Kaneez Surka: Improv Queen

Kaneez Surka, originally from South Africa, has become a prominent figure in the Indian comedy scene. She started her career with Cyrus Broacha’s The Week That Wasn’t. Kaneez was born in South Africa to Indian parents. Her bad Hindi is an added layer to her comedy, even though at times unintentional. Kaneez has appeared in various stand-up shows around the country and appeared as a judge in both seasons of Prime Video’s Comicstaan. She was last seen in Netflix’s Comedy Premier League along with Prashasti and Sumukhi. 

Evolution of Female Comedy Artists in India

These women have not only challenged the status quo but have also redefined what it means to be a comedian in today's world. Their journeys remind us that humour knows no gender and that the courage to speak one's truth can lead to groundbreaking change even in a patriarchal society. We acknowledge the strides made in the comedy industry and look forward to a future where many more voices can be heard, each bringing their unique perspective to the stage.

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