Shalaka Kurup is an Indian stand up comedian and writer. Her observational humour has been described as deadpan joy. A doctor by education and a comedian by choice Shalaka has shot onto the UK circuit receiving numerous awards, winning West End New Act of the Year, runner up Brighton Komedia New Act of the year and a finalist Channel 4 Sean Lock Award. Performances include opening for Eshaan Akbar, Grace Campbell, Ria Lina, and was selected for Leicester Comedy Festival Circuit Breakers and Pleasance Reserve in 2023. She has starred on Comedy Central Live Season 3, Jokes Only A…Can Tell (Channel 4 Digital) Asian Network Comedy (BBC) Arts Hour Comedy Special (BBC) and Sunday Morning Live (BBC1).
How did you get into stand-up?
I used to do science communication/comedy, and realised I enjoyed making jokes more than giving people science facts. During lockdown, a couple of people put me in touch with comedians, and gave me advice on starting out in comedy, which I’m very grateful for. I did my first open mic night as soon as we were allowed to go out and socialise again!
What is it like being a finalist in the 2025 Funny Women Awards?
Very surreal – I didn’t expect to make it this far at all, so I’m very excited and slightly nervous for the 25th!
Why is Funny Women important to you?
Apart from being a fantastic opportunity for my career, Funny Women has given me the chance to be in some of the loveliest green rooms I’ve ever been in. I’m so glad to have been introduced to so many amazing comedians and participate in a competition where everyone is always cheering each other on. It’s been wonderful to perform in a supportive environment, and meet so many fabulous women, especially within quite a male-dominated field.
Tell us about your comedy style.
Observational, cheeky, sometimes described as “sardonic”, very silly. I love being silly more than anything else.
What’s next for you?
Back to the grind! In the short term, continuing to gig, hopefully in some new and wonderful places. In the long term, my goal is to write another hour to take up to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2026/2027.
Who are your favourite Funny Women?
I could be here for hours! Sikia, Marty Gleeson, Su Mi, Alex Beighton, Mary O’Connell, Becky Umbers, Micky Overman, Aisling Bea
What do you love about stand up?
Making people laugh. When you’ve thought of something so silly, and other people think it’s silly as well – that’s the best feeling in the world. Links to social media handles please.
You can follow Shalaka in all the usual places – @shalakakurup
10 finalists will compete in-person at the Stage Award final, on Thursday 25th September at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London. TICKETS HERE.
At this Final, we will also present the Awards for Writing, Shorts, Content creator and our Industry prize.
You can also see the:
Longlist for the Comedy Writing Award HERE.
Longlist for the Comedy Shorts Award HERE
Vote for the Content Creator Award HERE
