‘PAPA YAAR’ - ZAKIR KHAN LIVE ON TOUR AUSTRALIA.

Feb 13 Brisbane | Feb 16 Melbourne | Feb 19 Perth | Feb 22-23 Sydney.

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When Javed Akhtar Sahab said "bulalo ladkey ko".

I was at Javed sahab’s house pitching to him the Idea of a show I had conceptualised called India Shayari Project. After an hour or so, Javed sahab said ‘badi himmat hai tummey’. Then he asked me who else is a part of it, I said Kumar Vishwaas will be the host, the sutradhar. I was wondering if Kausar Munir could be a part of it to which he called her instantly and it was closed. Then I said there is also a fresh shayari face I want to put out there, he is one of India’s biggest comics but does incredible poetry. Without waiting for his answer I showed him a few clips of Zakir’s poetry that I had on my phone. My biggest fear was if he says no as the senior most poet on the panel I will not be able to take this to Zakir. To my pleasant surprise he said “hmm yeh toh bahut accha bolta hai, bulalo ladkey ko”. On the day of the shoot Kumar Vishwas, Javed Sahab and I were sitting in his vanity van discussing the shoot when Zakir arrived. I will never forget the look on Zakir’s face meeting his idol Javed Sahab on that day and Javed Sahab took him home after the shoot. Zakir Khan may be your sakht launda but to me he will always remain a humble poet.

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For my Aussie Desi Fam - You probably have watched him on Amazon Prime specials like Haq Se Single, Kaksha Gyarvi, Mannpasand and Tathastu. Some of the best comedy specials streamed worldwide performed by a South Asian comedian. Or you are one of his 8Mn YouTube fans. You may have bought a ticket to his comic tours or simply seen him take over the internet of popular culture. Zakir Khan is not just a comedian; he is a cultural phenomenon. With his effortless storytelling, relatable humour, and deep emotional connect, he has carved a niche as one of India’s most beloved stand-up artists. As he embarks on his latest world tour, I find it’s the perfect time to reflect on his incredible journey—one that started in small open mics and has now taken him to packed arenas across the globe.

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‘Papa Yaar’ Zakhir Khan Live Australia.

Papa Yaar isn’t just a comedy show; it’s a celebration of fatherhood and the universal experiences that tie us all together. And this time, it’s more than just a performance, it’s an invitation to share the laughs and love with your own Papa. So do bring your Papa along and let Zakir’s stories remind you of all the reasons why your bond is special. Trust us, it’s a show both of you will cherish forever.

Zakir has always spoken about the hardships his father faced when raising them, the phases of anger as a teenager, the love, support and most importantly how his father was always there to pick him up when he was down. This one incident he narrated never leaves me when he had an extremely bad break up and he told his father that “Papa yaar main haar gaya”, to which his father replied “hello meri Zakir se baat karana, Mera beta kabhi haarta nahi hai”. It stayed with me every time I hear him as a poet, as a comedian and as a human being. Papa Yaar is one of the deepest show forms he has created and as audiences you will leave the show with some heartfelt emotions. ‍

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Haar kar jeetney wale ko Zakir Khan kehtey hai.

‍ Born and raised in Indore, Zakir Khan’s early life was steeped in music, poetry, and humour. Coming from a family of musicians, he initially trained as a sitar player before discovering his gift for comedy. His humble upbringing and middle-class struggles became the bedrock of his humour, allowing him to craft jokes that resonate deeply with everyday Indians.

Zakir’s rise to fame can be traced back to his 2014 ‘Comedy Central India’s Best Stand-Up Comedian’ competition which he did not win but became a household name. However, it was his AMAZON Prime set, Haq Se Single, that truly catapulted him to national fame. His unique ability to blend observational humor with heartwarming personal anecdotes quickly won over audiences. And once you have heard - ‘bhai tumhara warrior hai’, there is no going back.

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The ‘Sakht Launda’ Phenomenon

Few phrases in Indian pop culture have caught on the way Sakht Launda has. Zakir’s brand of humor, which revolves around heartbreak, resilience, and the ‘bro code,’ gave rise to a term that has become a badge of honor among young Indian men. His jokes aren’t just performances; they are life lessons wrapped in hilarity.

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Taking Over the World

With an audience that spans multiple generations, Zakir Khan has successfully transcended national boundaries. His ability to strike a chord with the global Indian diaspora has made him one of the most sought-after comedians internationally. His previous tours in the US, UK, UAE, and Canada were sold-out affairs, and now, his Australian tour is poised to create history.

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Ummeed: Zakir, the Poet & the Philosopher

Zakir Khan is much more than a stand-up comedian. His love for Urdu poetry and shayari has made him a significant voice in modern Indian literature. His ability to mix humor with poignant life lessons gives his comedy an unparalleled depth. His podcast, Ummeed, showcases his philosophical side, proving that his impact goes far beyond laughter. If you find time, you will find the podcast Ummeed to be one of your own realities, your own stories, your own moments. I think Ummeed teaches you to think big in-spite of your average circumstances.

As a fan, as someone who produced a show with him and got to spend some amazing time with him, I will never forget what he said to me, I want to think he doesn’t say this to everyone being the amazing human being he is; he said to me “aap Swaroop hai nah, aapkey baarey main kaafi suna hai”, with that enigmatic smile, and I was at a loss of words. Fellas, at The Chaos Drop we tell you about some of the world’s largest South Asian achievers and where to find them, but this one is special. Get your tickets for ‘PAPA YAAR’ ZAKIR KHAN LIVE ON Drytickets.com.au and we’ll see you front row.

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