MEET ASHWYN
THE (FUNNY) STORIES OF OUR LIVES
Ashwyn is a stand-up comedian, musician, and writer whose work blends incisive humour with social commentary.
Name: I’m named Ashwyn after Ashwini, which is the first of the 27 lunar mansions in Vedic astrology. The name signifies new beginnings (I’m the eldest child), and also carries multiple meanings, my favourite of which is “possessor of horses”. However, my Dad tells me they wanted a short name that people would say and not resort to nicknames. You may tell all the people this.
I am a stand-up comedian, musician, and writer whose work blends incisive humour with heartfelt social commentary. An Indian immigrant turned Canadian resident, I draw on my unique perspective to explore themes of cultural identity, immigration, and family with wit and relatability.
My viral Desi Translations series, which has over 40 million views, celebrates the artistry of Hindi and Urdu lyrics by reinterpreting everyday English phrases. Beyond social media, my stand-up comedy tackles social issues like immigration, religion, politics, mental health, and global conflicts, highlighting the hypocrisy in human behaviour with sharp humour.
Featured on Canada’s Got Talent, CBC’s The Debaters, and major comedy festivals like Winnipeg and Halifax, I have opened for acclaimed acts such as Mark Normand, Sammy Obeid and Zarna Garg, establishing myself as a standout talent in comedy.
I will be celebrating my 30th birthday by performing at the Toronto Winter Garden Theatre on May 2, 2026.
The stand-up in me took flight when: I watched a show as I was interning at Apple. I loved stand-up prior to that, but when I watched that show, I knew I had to do everything to make this my career.
The desi immigrant in me wishes: There was a better grasp of what people sacrifice to come here and how immigrants, especially Indians, want to contribute positively to society.
The YouTuber in me wants to: Be able to travel the world with my camera and friends and bring along my fans for the ride.
My favourite joke/funny line: “It is better to be violent if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of non-violence to cover impotence.”
Favourite colours: Mustard, magenta, burnt orange.
Favourite designer: I don’t understand clothes.
Favourite movie: 3 Idiots (in Hindi), or maybe Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
Favourite books/authors: A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer (or Not a Penny More, Not A Penny Less).
Favourite TV shows: Boston Legal, White Collar.
Favourite ice cream flavour: Dark chocolate.
Favourite cuisine: Indian or Italian.
Favourite restaurant: Cote De Boeuf in Toronto, Marutama Ramen in Vancouver, Karim’s or the Big Chill Café in New Delhi.
Favourite activities: Gym, eating, doomscrolling. Or anything with a friend. It’s not what you do, it’s who you do it with.
I hang out: At a coffee shop, at home where I can sing and perform, and regularly at comedy bars.
I’m freaked out by: How willingly people will give up their freedom for comfort or convenience. Also spiders.
Ashwyn will be celebrating his 30th birthday by performing at the Toronto Winter Garden Theatre on May 2.
In a perfect world: I would go to the gym, have lunch and share a laugh with a friend, go to a sold out show, perform for an hour and a half, take a car home and get there in time to go to sleep next to the love of my life in a world that contains a democratic India, a non-fascist America, and a free Palestine.
Be a Desi Star! If you’d like Desi News readers to ‘meet’ you, call 416-695-4357 or email desinews@rogers.com to arrange a photo session! It’s fun and it’s free!