The Daily Beast Podcast Why Trump’s No Laughing Matter—Even for Me: Comic
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Dec 1, 2025 Stand-up comedian Zarna Garg, known for her insights on Indian-American family life, dives into why she steers clear of political comedy. She shares her thoughts on how the Indian community perceives figures like Trump, discussing complex cultural dynamics and familial expectations. Zarna also reflects on her collaborations with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, emphasizing the power of female mentorship. The conversation touches on the intersection of ambition and heritage, revealing how Indian-American perspectives shape their political landscapes.
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Choosing Nonpolitical Stage Territory
- Zarna Garg avoids political comedy because many others occupy that space and she prefers to cover less-discussed cultural topics.
- She finds it easier to critique public figures than to confront personal family dynamics on stage.
Bollywood Song At A Major Victory
- Zarna and Joanna discussed filmmaker Mira Nair's son winning NYC mayor and the family playing a Bollywood wedding song at the celebration.
- Zarna says hearing that song on a major American stage almost made her cry at its cultural significance.
Learning From Fey And Poehler
- Zarna Garg spent two years opening for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler and watched their partnership up close.
- That experience convinced her that women should collaborate instead of treating work and friendship as separate.