This summer, Edinburgh Fringe is turning up the volume and the laughs with a spectacular showcase of Indian comedy talent. In a bold cultural move, Soho Theatre is presenting 15 shows across 7 venues in the city, featuring some of the most vibrant voices straight from India’s comedy scene. Three standout acts promise to deliver big belly laughs, whip-smart wit, and uniquely desi perspectives: Prashasti Singh, Shamik Chakrabarti, and Urooj Ashfaq.
While you’re catching shows at the Fringe, explore more things to do in Edinburgh.
🌞 Prashasti Singh – Divine Feminine
📍 Bristo Square | ⏰ 8:45 PM | 30 Jul – 24 Aug
Fresh from the sets of Netflix’s Ladies Up and Amazon Prime’s Comicstaan, Prashasti Singh brings a power-packed set titled Divine Feminine. Expect sharp observations, unapologetic takes on gender, modern womanhood, and middle-class millennial desi dilemmas. Her voice is one of India’s most celebrated in stand-up, and this solo show promises sass, satire, and plenty of soul. With imagery evoking divine energy and 90s flair, she’s here to reclaim the feminine on her own terms and make you laugh doing it.
🪑 Shamik Chakrabarti – Despite Appearances
📍 Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower – Eve | ⏰ 9:00 PM | 30 Jul – 24 Aug
A Fringe debut that’s got heads turning: Shamik Chakrabarti arrives with a dry wit and what Soho Theatre calls “laid-back rants.” Donning a kurta and seated cross-legged, his vibe is relaxed, but his punchlines pack heat. Whether he’s dissecting diaspora identity or deconstructing spiritual clichés, Shamik is the thinking person’s comic, equal parts hilarious and cerebral. This is one for fans of observational humor with a desi twist.
🎤 Urooj Ashfaq – How to Be a Baddie
📍 Monkey Barrel 4 | ⏰ 6:25 PM | 30 Jul – 24 Aug
Winner of Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2023, Urooj Ashfaq returns to the Fringe with How to Be a Baddie. Wrapped in a pink dress and tangled in mic cords, Urooj’s visuals speak volumes like this isn’t your average “baddie” story. Known for her wild-eyed stage presence and electric delivery, she’s redefining Indian comedy for a global audience. Whether she’s poking fun at pop culture or diving into emotional realness, Urooj brings raw energy and unmatched timing.
🎟️ Book Now – Before They Sell Out!
All three shows run from 30 July to 24 August across Edinburgh Fringe’s top venues. With India’s best comic talent lighting up stages, this is your chance to witness a comedy renaissance rooted in heritage, identity, and good old-fashioned LOLs.
🔗 underbellyedinburgh.co.uk
🔗 gildedballoon.co.uk
🔗 monkeybarrelcomedy.com
Don’t forget to check our Events Calendar for more South Asian-led performances in Scotland.
For British South Asians, these shows are more than entertainment. They are cultural catharsis. For everyone else? A hilariously eye-opening glimpse into the nuances of modern India. Whether you’re craving satire, self-deprecating humour, or sharp feminist takes, this Fringe, India’s funniest are ready to deliver. Don’t miss them.
