Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
In a first for Indian comedy, Zakir Khan sold out Madison Square Garden with a completely Hindi set—shattering language barriers in the most iconic venue in the world.
Zakir was a sitar player before he ever touched a mic. Raised in a family of musicians, his first passion was classical music—not punchlines.
Years before fame, Zakir did everything from writing ad scripts to radio gigs—and once couldn’t afford rent until his landlord stepped in quietly to help.
He’s married—but fiercely private. While fans joke about his “sakth launda” persona, Zakir rarely mentions his wife outside his act, keeping real life off-limits.
Zakir has a degree in civil engineering—not by choice, but by parental pressure. The real pivot came later, when he left it all to chase comedy in Mumbai.
“Haq Se Single” became a cult sensation, but Zakir's big break came in 2012, when he was crowned Comedy Central India’s Best Stand-Up Comedian.
The term “sakth launda” isn’t just a joke—it’s a movement. Zakir turned it into a meme, a mantra, and a merch line worn by thousands.
Even at the top, Zakir faces heat—critics say his older material toes the line of casual sexism. As his profile rises, so do the think pieces.
His MSG promo lit up Times Square, and he cooked alongside chef Vikas Khanna on U.S. television—taking “desi boy from Indore” global.