Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Comedian Shalaka Kurup joins The Ladies of Laughter

The all-female Ladies Of Laughter show is currently on tour across the UK

Comedian Shalaka Kurup joins The Ladies of Laughter

Shalaka Kurup

INDIAN stand-up comedian Shalaka Kurup has made a significant impact on the UK scene, earning multiple awards along the way.

Her unique brand of observational humour has connected with audiences from diverse backgrounds, establishing her as a rising star who is set to shine even brighter in the years ahead.


Now part of the all-female Ladies Of Laughter show, which is currently on tour across the UK, Kurup is excited to entertain audiences.

Eastern Eye caught up with her to discuss the tour and her comedy journey so far.

What first connected you to standup comedy?

I used to do science communication and presenting, but I realised I had absolutely no interest in learning more facts. However, I loved speaking to an audience and telling them stories.

How do you feel being on stage in front of a live audience?

It’s a mix of nervousness and excitement. I’m always excited. There’s no feeling that matches being on stage and making people laugh.

How excited are you about this year’s Ladies Of Laughter tour?

I cannot wait. This is one of the main ways I get to perform to diverse audiences across the country. I love seeing what people find funny in different places. Also, Desi Central audiences are always up for a good time.

What can we expect from your upcoming performance?

Lots of cheeky jokes, some audacity, and a chance to see someone transform into an aunty.

What is it like being on an all-female line-up in a comedy show?

It’s honestly my favourite type of show. There aren’t enough of them. Having a safe space with other female comedians who share the experience of being women in a male-dominated field is incredible. There’s a lot of camaraderie and care in these shows, and you end up making lifelong friends who will support you throughout your comedy journey.

How much of your comedy is based on real-life personal experiences?

Pretty much all of it. I don’t know how to write about anything else. Does that make me a narcissist? I don’t know.

Don’t answer that! Do you ever feel like you’re revealing too much about yourself on stage?

Sometimes, yes, but if it’s a good joke, then why not?

Would you describe yourself as a fearless comedian?

Not at all. I’m scared all the time. It’s hard to be fearless when you care this deeply about your craft.

Who are your comedy heroes?

There are too many to name, but two people who stand out for supporting other comedians are Sikisa and Eshaan Akbar. They inspire me with their kindness and talent.

What inspires you as a standup comedian?

The laughter from an audience when you tell a new joke, the work of other comedians, and the jokes they write.

Why should we all attend the Ladies Of Laughter shows?

There are many reasons to support female comedians – from the challenges we face to the stereotypes we battle and the hard work it takes to be seen in this industry. But the main reason is simple – to have a good time. Every show will be a blast, and you will hear jokes and ideas you have never heard before.

LOL: The Ladies Of Laughter at Beck Theatre in Hayes on Sunday (2), The Glee Club, Birmingham (February 15), Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (February 15), The Y Theatre, Leicester (February 16), Harrow Arts Centre (March 7 and April 25), Hat Factory, Luton (April 25). www. luventertainment.co.uk

More For You

Val Kilmer

From Iceman to Jim Morrison, Val Kilmer's transformative performances cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s finest actors

Instagram/Getty Images

Hollywood legend: 5 most iconic roles of Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer wasn’t just an actor for all of us, right? He was like a force of nature. A man who didn’t just play characters but became them, leaving pieces of his soul on the screen every single time. With his passing in 2025, we lost one of the greats, but his performances? They’re immortal.

Here’s a tribute to the roles that made us laugh, cry, and sit in stunned silence, the ones that proved, again and again, that Kilmer was pure magic.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jennifer Lawrence & Cooke Maroney Welcome Their Second Child

Jennifer Lawrence spotted with husband Cooke Maroney

SplashNews.com/Christopher Peterson /

Jennifer Lawrence welcomes second child with Cooke Maroney

Jennifer Lawrence and her husband, Cooke Maroney, have welcomed their second child, expanding their family of three to four. The couple, who are already parents to their three-year-old son Cy, were seen taking a stroll in New York City just days after the baby’s arrival.

Although the couple has not publicly shared details about their new-born, insider sources have confirmed the news. The Hunger Games actress and Maroney have been married since October 2019, tying the knot in a private ceremony at the historic Belcourt of Newport mansion in Rhode Island.

Keep ReadingShow less
Adolescence

Netflix’s Adolescence quickly climbs the all-time charts, surpassing major hits like Stranger Things 3

Netflix

‘Adolescence’ surpasses ‘Stranger Things 3’ on Netflix in 17 days with 96.7 million views

Netflix’s latest limited series, Adolescence, has taken the platform by storm, racking up 96.7 million views in just 17 days. This unexpected success has pushed Stranger Things 3 down to the tenth spot on Netflix’s all-time most popular English-language TV series list, while Bridgerton Season 2 has dropped off completely.

Released on March 13, Adolescence follows the gripping story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, who finds himself charged with the murder of a classmate. The series, directed by Philip Barantini and starring Stephen Graham, has connected with viewers worldwide, making its way into the Top 10 charts in all 93 countries where Netflix rankings are available.

Keep ReadingShow less
David Fincher Directs ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ Sequel

This sequel is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated film projects in recent years

Getty

'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' sequel on Netflix: David Fincher helms film written by Quentin Tarantino starring Brad Pitt

David Fincher is set to direct a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, with Quentin Tarantino penning the script for the follow-up to his Academy Award-winning film. The project, confirmed by Variety, does not yet have an official title but is being developed at Netflix, where Fincher holds a first-look deal. Brad Pitt will reprise his role as Cliff Booth, the stuntman with a dark past.

The film marks a particularly unique collaboration, not only due to one renowned filmmaker directing a sequel to another’s work but also because of its transition from theatrical release to a streaming platform. The original Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was released in 2019 by Sony Pictures, but Tarantino had negotiated a deal that would grant him ownership of the film’s underlying rights after a set period. The fact that this sequel is being developed under Fincher’s Netflix agreement suggests that Tarantino may already hold the sequel rights privately.

Keep ReadingShow less
Laapata Ladies

Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed film is now under fire after a viral video compared its plot to Burqa City

Instagram

'Laapata Ladies' makers accused of plagiarism as similarity with Arab film 'Burqa City' surface

Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, which received critical acclaim and was selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, is now facing accusations of plagiarism. A viral video circulating on social media has drawn comparisons between Rao’s film and Burqa City, a 2019 Arabic short film by French filmmaker Fabrice Bracq.

What’s the controversy?

Keep ReadingShow less