Rahul is a standup comedian living in Gurgaon, near Delhi, India. He was born and raised in Aberystwyth, Wales, he qualified as an Engineer and then worked in financial services in Mumbai. Rahul finds it very empowering to be able to stand in front of an audience and make them laugh. When he is not working, he enjoys being outdoors playing sports, walking his dog and cycling. He is married. He is about to start a tour of the UK and Ireland performing for audiences in Harrow, Central London, Warwick and Dublin.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) campus in the heart of Ludhiana where I grew up.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Being on stage every night and make hundreds of people laugh. It is very liberating and empowering, gives me a sense of freedom.
3) What inspires you?
The feeling of accomplishment of getting the days list of jobs done in time and at the same time remaining grounded.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Myself, it has always been and always will be. There is a constant fight between what needs to be done and what could have been postponed. Its part of human personality trait, whilst I am ambitious, the other part of me wants to take breaks, watch Netflix or go out.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
A lot of people have played their part in different parts of my life, my paternal uncle was a great influencer during my school years, Warren Buffett during my time as a Banker at City Bank and high-profile comedians both in India and abroad. My father was/is the consistent influencer, for keeping me grounded and being the kind of person I am today.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
To be able to make hundreds of people laugh every single day and spreading happiness. I go to bed a happy man.
7) And the worst?
The fact that we are social media toys – people tap away on keyboard twisting what you have said without realising or caring how this is going to affect other people.
8) What are your long term goals?
Long Term goals are divided into two. I am exploring other avenues such as writing a sitcom, film directing and acting. The work portion is to be the best at what I do. The personal long-term goal is to be very content, satisfied and happy and give adequate amount of time to my family and myself both physically and mentally. To take less stress on a day-to-day basis.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
The one aspect I would change in India would be to make primary education free and accessible to everyone. If people are educated to a primary level, they will be able to make a better life for themselves. I would make very good friends with the Prime Minister of UK and President of USA to ensure that citizens of India can have a hassle-free permanent residency in both countries.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
I am not much into history while I know a lot of names of historical figures, I am unable to choose.
I would happily like to be marooned on a desert island with my father because he left us way sooner than I would have liked. There was still a lot to learn from him about the world.
