Stand-up comedian Sharul Channa has performed to packed houses all over Asia and Australia. She created two solo shows for Esplanade, Sharul Weds Sharul (2017) and Disco Sheela and Other Indian Superwomen (2018), and is the writer for fellow comedian Kumar’s upcoming The Great Indian Mix at Kalaa Utsavam 2023.

In this interview, she shares the books and podcasts that have made her laugh or helped shape her identity and worldview.

Bookmark This is a collaboration between National Library Board and Esplanade Offstage.

What inspires you as a comedian?

I love to observe and meet new people and talk to people from different backgrounds. Social interactions and people-watching are the main source of my jokes.

I have the Audible app on my phone, and I download a new book each month to read. Listening to audio books during my walks gives me new perspectives in life. One book that has made me laugh out loud is Is this Anything? by (comedian) Jerry Seinfeld, in which he compiled some of his best jokes.

Who is your favourite author and could you recommend a book by him or her?

Recently I have been listening to Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda again. It was the book that helped me find my spiritual master. 

Autobiographies are a very helpful way to understand why people make certain life decisions that lead to their success, and you realise that there are many routes one can take.

I would also recommend renowned local author Balli Kaur Jaswal for her novels. She is a very prolific writer with groundbreaking narratives about Indian communities across the world. 

Growing up, what are some books that you have read, that left an impression on you?

Roald Dahl books made my childhood extremely colourful, while all of Louise Hay's books helped me build confidence when I was growing up.

I would also recommend Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson. I still re-read it whenever I feel stuck. It’s for anyone and everyone, is a quick read and it motivates you to do better for yourself and still be kind.

Aside from comedy and theatre, which other art forms do you enjoy?

I love to listen to Sufi music or Qawwali concerts as I have grown up being enthralled by their usage of various instruments, multiple singers singing in different octaves, clapping to the beats and the poetry of famous poets across centuries used as singing text to express all the emotions.

I also love listening to podcasts on how local stalwarts have drawn inspiration from international music to shape our own music scene.

Which singers and musicians move you and get you moving?

I love listening to Qawwali: Sabri brothers, Rahet Fateh Ali Khan, the Nooran sisters, Abida Parveen and in recent times, Ali Sethi. This is the music that gets me moving.

Where is your dream place to do standup comedy? Is there anyone you would like to work with?

I would love to have a stand-up comedy show in Parliament for all our ministers. They all work so hard for the country and manage difficult situations. I think they could do with a laugh. 

Bookmark This is a series of interviews with artists on their recommended reads and media. It is the online companion to a physical Node, with QR codes to the book and media recommendations, on level 4 of Esplanade till end-August 2024.