Administrator at 08:33, 18 September 2026

2026-09-18T08:33:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:33, 18 September 2026
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	* [[Amazon Prime Video\|Amazon Prime Video]]		* [[Amazon Prime Video\|Amazon Prime Video]]
	* [[Netflix\|Netflix]]		* [[Netflix\|Netflix]]

	~~== References ==~~

	~~<references />~~

	== External links ==		== External links ==

Administrator: Created page with "{{Biography | person_name = Zakir Khan | portrait_image = 6478364734534.png | image_caption = Indian stand-up comedian, poet, actor and writer | title_or_role = Stand-up Comedian, Poet, Actor and Writer | birth_date = 20 August 1987 | birth_place = Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India | nationality = Indian | education = St. Paul's Higher Secondary School; Christian Eminent College | alma_mater = Christian Eminent College | occupation = Stand-up comedian, poet, actor,..."

2026-09-18T08:32:26Z

Created page with "{{Biography | person_name = Zakir Khan | portrait_image = 6478364734534.png | image_caption = Indian stand-up comedian, poet, actor and writer | title_or_role = Stand-up Comedian, Poet, Actor and Writer | birth_date = 20 August 1987 | birth_place = Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India | nationality = Indian | education = St. Paul's Higher Secondary School; Christian Eminent College | alma_mater = Christian Eminent College | occupation = Stand-up comedian, poet, actor,..."

New page

{{Biography
| person_name = Zakir Khan
| portrait_image = 6478364734534.png
| image_caption = Indian stand-up comedian, poet, actor and writer
| title_or_role = Stand-up Comedian, Poet, Actor and Writer
| birth_date = 20 August 1987
| birth_place = Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| nationality = Indian
| education = St. Paul's Higher Secondary School; Christian Eminent College
| alma_mater = Christian Eminent College
| occupation = Stand-up comedian, poet, actor, writer
| notable_for = Stand-up comedy, Haq Se Single, Kaksha Gyarvi, Tathastu, Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare
| years_active = 2012–present
| awards = Winner of Comedy Central's India's Best Stand Up (2012)
| official_website =
}}

'''Zakir Khan''' (born 20 August 1987) is an Indian stand-up comedian, poet, actor and writer. He is known for his narrative-driven Hindi comedy, observational humour, poetry and storytelling. He gained wider recognition after winning Comedy Central's ''India's Best Stand Up'' competition in 2012. He subsequently developed a career across stand-up comedy, streaming specials, television, web series and digital entertainment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zakir Khan |url=https://www.primevideo.com/person/Zakir-Khan/amzn1.dv.gti.e5963ee7-89f6-4bec-850b-ebd53d203475 |website=Prime Video |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=My jokes define who I am, says king of stand-up comedy Zakir Khan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/my-jokes-define-who-i-am-says-top-stand-up-comedian-zakir-khan-1242376-2018-05-26 |website=India Today |date=26 May 2018 |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==

Zakir Khan was born on 20 August 1987 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. He grew up in a family associated with music and the arts. His father was a music teacher, and Khan received training in classical music and holds a diploma in sitar. He attended St. Paul's Higher Secondary School and later pursued higher education at Christian Eminent College in Indore.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zakir Khan |url=https://www.primevideo.com/person/Zakir-Khan/amzn1.dv.gti.e5963ee7-89f6-4bec-850b-ebd53d203475 |website=Prime Video |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref>

Before establishing himself as a comedian, Khan was involved with writing and radio-related work. He eventually moved toward stand-up comedy and began performing at open-mic events. His background in music, writing and poetry became recurring elements of his later comedy work.

== Career ==

=== Stand-up comedy ===

Khan gained national recognition in 2012 after winning Comedy Central's ''India's Best Stand Up'' competition. The competition helped establish him within India's emerging stand-up comedy scene and provided a platform for his storytelling-based style.<ref>{{cite web |title=My jokes define who I am, says king of stand-up comedy Zakir Khan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/my-jokes-define-who-i-am-says-top-stand-up-comedian-zakir-khan-1242376-2018-05-26 |website=India Today |date=26 May 2018 |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref>

Khan became associated with the phrase "Sakht Launda", a recurring comedic persona describing a man attempting to maintain emotional restraint in romantic situations. The expression became closely associated with his public comedy persona and was subsequently referenced in his performances and media appearances.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zakir Khan joins Khan Sir on KBC 15, explains 'Sakht Launda' to Amitabh Bachchan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/kaun-banega-crorepati-season-15-amitabh-bachchan-khan-sir-zakir-khan-2440291-2023-09-25 |website=India Today |date=25 September 2023 |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref>

His comedy frequently incorporates stories about relationships, family, friendships, everyday experiences and life in small-town India. Poetry is also an important component of his performances, reflecting his background in Urdu poetry and music.

=== Television and comedy programmes ===

Khan has appeared in several television and comedy programmes during his career. In 2015, he co-hosted and wrote ''On Air with AIB'', a news-comedy programme broadcast on Star World India.

In 2017, Khan became one of the mentors on the fifth season of ''The Great Indian Laughter Challenge'', alongside Mallika Dua and Hussain Dalal. The programme was judged by Akshay Kumar.

He later appeared as a judge on ''Comicstaan'' season 2, where he mentored contestants in anecdotal comedy. He subsequently returned as a judge for the third season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zakir Khan (comedian) |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakir_Khan_(comedian) |website=Wikipedia |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref>

Khan also appeared on ''Kaun Banega Crorepati 15'' in 2023, where he participated alongside Khan Sir and interacted with host Amitabh Bachchan. During the programme, he discussed the "Sakht Launda" expression and also recited poetry.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zakir Khan joins Khan Sir on KBC 15, explains 'Sakht Launda' to Amitabh Bachchan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/kaun-banega-crorepati-season-15-amitabh-bachchan-khan-sir-zakir-khan-2440291-2023-09-25 |website=India Today |date=25 September 2023 |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref>

== Stand-up specials ==

Khan has released several recorded stand-up performances through streaming platforms. His notable specials include ''Haq Se Single'', ''Kaksha Gyarvi'', ''Tathastu'', ''Mannpasand'' and ''Delulu Express''.

''Haq Se Single'' was released as an Amazon Prime Video comedy special and became one of the works through which Khan's stand-up reached a wider streaming audience. ''Kaksha Gyarvi'' followed in 2018, while ''Tathastu'' was released in 2022.

In subsequent years, Khan continued releasing long-form stand-up material, including ''Mannpasand'' and ''Delulu Express''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Men We Love: Zakir Khan |url=https://www.femina.in/trending/achievers/men-we-love-288384.html |website=Femina |date=13 November 2025 |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref>

== Poetry ==

Alongside comedy, Khan is known for his work as an Urdu poet. Poetry has formed part of his live performances and public appearances. His writing includes poems such as ''Mai Soonya Pe Sawar Hoon'', ''Apne Aap Ke Bhi Piche Khara Hoon Main'' and ''Bus Ka Intezar Karte Huye''.

His poetry and comedy performances frequently combine humour with themes of relationships, family, memories and personal experiences.

Khan has also presented his poetry at literary and cultural events, including appearances associated with Rekhta.

== Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare ==

In 2018, Khan created and starred in the comedy series ''Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare''. He plays Ronny, a young man who tells people that he is the nephew of a local legislator despite having no such connection.

The series premiered on Amazon Prime Video on 18 May 2018. Khan also co-wrote the series with Gopal Datt. The story follows Ronny's attempts to maintain his false political identity while dealing with his personal life and ambitions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare |url=https://tv.apple.com/in/show/chacha-vidhayak-hain-humare/umc.cmc.7j8io87cvicr6ev5pneu66pf |website=Apple TV |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref>

The second season was released in 2021. A third season premiered on Amazon miniTV on 25 April 2024. The third season continued the story of Ronny and was written by Zakir Khan and Gopal Datt.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zakir Khan's Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare returns for Season 3 |url=https://www.aboutamazon.in/news/entertainment/zakir-khan-chacha-vidhayak-hain-humare-season-3-trailer |website=About Amazon India |date=22 April 2024 |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref>

The series represents one of Khan's principal transitions from stand-up comedy into scripted acting and writing.

== Digital work and YouTube ==

Khan has maintained a significant presence on digital platforms, particularly through recorded comedy performances and video content. His online work has helped distribute his stand-up performances to audiences beyond live comedy venues.

His digital career has also included appearances in comedy programmes and collaborative entertainment projects. Amazon describes him as an actor, producer and writer in addition to his work as a stand-up comedian.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zakir Khan |url=https://www.primevideo.com/person/Zakir-Khan/amzn1.dv.gti.e5963ee7-89f6-4bec-850b-ebd53d203475 |website=Prime Video |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref>

== International performances ==

Khan has performed his Hindi-language stand-up comedy internationally. His performances have included major venues outside India, including the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall in London and Madison Square Garden in New York.

In 2025, Femina reported that Khan had performed a Hindi stand-up show at Madison Square Garden in New York before a sold-out audience. His international performances have formed part of the expansion of Hindi stand-up comedy to audiences outside India.<ref>{{cite web |title=Men We Love: Zakir Khan |url=https://www.femina.in/trending/achievers/men-we-love-288384.html |website=Femina |date=13 November 2025 |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref>

== Papa Yaar ==

In September 2026, Netflix announced the release of Khan's stand-up special ''Papa Yaar''. The special draws on childhood memories and Khan's relationship with his father and combines personal stories with comedy and reflection.

Netflix announced that ''Papa Yaar'' would begin streaming on Netflix on 18 September 2026. The special focuses on the changing relationship between a father and child and uses Khan's personal experiences as its central subject.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zakir Khan Gets Personal, Hilarious and Heartfelt with 'Papa Yaar', Coming to Netflix on September 18 |url=https://about.netflix.com/en/news/zakir-khan-gets-personal-hilarious-and-heartfelt-with-papa-yaar-coming-to-netflix-on-september-18 |website=About Netflix |date=1 September 2026 |access-date=18 September 2026}}</ref>

== Style and themes ==

Khan's comedy is primarily based on storytelling and observations drawn from everyday life. His material has frequently addressed relationships, family, friendships, personal experiences and the challenges associated with growing up in a small-town environment.

Unlike comedy formats that rely primarily on short punchlines, his performances commonly use longer narratives that combine humour with emotional and reflective elements. Poetry and music are also incorporated into some of his performances.

His use of Hindi and Urdu expressions has been a recurring characteristic of his work and has contributed to the development of a recognizable storytelling style within contemporary Indian stand-up comedy.

== Works and projects ==

{| class="wikitable"
! Year !! Work !! Role
|-
| 2012 || ''India's Best Stand Up'' || Winner
|-
| 2015 || ''On Air with AIB'' || Co-host and writer
|-
| 2017 || ''Haq Se Single'' || Stand-up comedian
|-
| 2018 || ''Kaksha Gyarvi'' || Stand-up comedian
|-
| 2018–2024 || ''Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare'' || Creator, writer and lead actor
|-
| 2019 || ''Comicstaan'' season 2 || Judge and mentor
|-
| 2021 || ''Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare'' season 2 || Writer and actor
|-
| 2022 || ''Tathastu'' || Stand-up comedian
|-
| 2023 || ''Mannpasand'' || Stand-up comedian
|-
| 2023 || ''Kaun Banega Crorepati 15'' || Guest participant
|-
| 2024 || ''Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare'' season 3 || Writer and lead actor
|-
| 2025 || ''Delulu Express'' || Stand-up comedian
|-
| 2026 || ''Papa Yaar'' || Stand-up comedian
|}

== Recognition ==

Khan's career recognition began with his victory in Comedy Central's ''India's Best Stand Up'' competition in 2012. He subsequently established himself through stand-up specials, television appearances, poetry performances and scripted comedy.

His work on ''Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare'' expanded his role from stand-up performer to writer and lead actor. His later stand-up specials and international performances further extended his work across live comedy and streaming platforms.

== See also ==

* [[Stand-up comedy in India|Stand-up comedy in India]]
* [[Indian comedy|Indian comedy]]
* [[Hindi-language comedy|Hindi-language comedy]]
* [[Comicstaan|Comicstaan]]
* [[Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare|Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare]]
* [[Kaun Banega Crorepati|Kaun Banega Crorepati]]
* [[Amazon Prime Video|Amazon Prime Video]]
* [[Netflix|Netflix]]

== References ==

<references />

== External links ==

* [https://www.primevideo.com/person/Zakir-Khan/amzn1.dv.gti.e5963ee7-89f6-4bec-850b-ebd53d203475 Zakir Khan on Prime Video]
* [https://aboutamazon.in/news/entertainment/chacha-vidhayak-hain-humare-star-zakir-khan-interview Zakir Khan interview on About Amazon India]
* [https://aboutamazon.in/news/entertainment/zakir-khan-chacha-vidhayak-hain-humare-season-3-trailer Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare Season 3 on About Amazon India]
* [https://about.netflix.com/en/news/zakir-khan-gets-personal-hilarious-and-heartfelt-with-papa-yaar-coming-to-netflix-on-september-18 Papa Yaar announcement on Netflix]

[[Category:Indian comedians]]
[[Category:Indian stand-up comedians]]
[[Category:Indian poets]]
[[Category:Indian actors]]
[[Category:Indian writers]]
[[Category:1987 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Indore]]
[[Category:Hindi-language comedians]]
[[Category:Indian television personalities]]

Zakir Khan - Revision history

Administrator at 08:33, 18 September 2026