Some jokes over a cup of 'chai'
LAUGHTER MOMENTS
Comedy-lovers in the City are in for a treat as the Consulate General of the United States in association with the Deccan Herald presents ‘Make Chai Not War’, a stand-up comedy show on January 6. 
The event starts at 7 pm at Vijayanagara Hall, Taj Vivanta, M G Road and features three talented Indian-American comedians — Rajiv Satyal, Hari Kondabolu and Azhar Usman.
Hailing from Ohio, Rajiv Satyal’s witty acts cover everything from racial issues to soap bottles to his favourite topic — himself! This former engineer and P&G marketer has repeatedly opened for Dave Chappelle, Kevin Nealon, and also for Russell Peters in sold-out auditoriums across the USA.
A graduate of Bowdoin College and the London School of Economics, Hari Kondabolu has appeared on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ as well as a variety of comedy festivals and has made several appearances on ‘Comedy Central’. While Azhar Usman, an Indian American Muslim comedian and actor born in Chicago, Illinois, is best known for the international comedy brand — ‘Allah Made Me Funny’.
“‘Make Chai Not War’ is a stand-up comedy show by three Indian-Americans, which has been brought to Bangalore by the US Consulate and Deccan Herald,” says Bharath Kumar, Kannada Editor, Public Affairs Section, US Consulate General. “The US Government always brings over different performance groups, which showcase the best of the US culture,” says Anand Krishna, information officer, US Consulate General.
“‘Make Chai Not War’ is a group of three comedians whose idea is to make love and not war. Since they are from different ethic and religious backgrounds, they want to promote mutual understanding through comedy. They are using their background to highlight some similarities and differences of growing up as an Indian-American,” he adds. According to him, “There are over three million Americans with Indian ancestry so the connection between the US and India is very strong. The comedians will highlight this connection. They are extremely popular and we are happy to bring them here.”
The event is free but seating is on first come, first served basis. You can pick up complimentary passes at the American Corner, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Race Course Road; Vivanta by Taj, M G Road and at the Baskin-Robbins outlets at Garuda Mall, Brigade Road, JP Nagar (near BBMP office), Forum Mall and RT Nagar. For details, call 9008024934 or log on to chennai.usconsulate.gov.
