Radhika Vaz is an Indian-born, New York and Mumbai-based stand-up comedian and writer whose work seamlessly blends sharp social commentary with deeply personal storytelling. Known for her fearless approach to tackling taboo subjects, Vaz has established herself as one of the most provocative and thought-provoking voices in contemporary comedy.
A former advertising executive with a master's degree in advertising from Syracuse University, Vaz made a bold career pivot from agency life to entertainment. She honed her comedic skills through rigorous training with the prestigious Groundlings in Los Angeles and continued her development in New York's vibrant comedy scene.
Vaz has built a remarkable solo career that has taken her across continents, performing in India, the United States, and beyond. Her breakout one-woman shows—Unladylike: The Pitfalls of Propriety and Older. Angrier. Hairier.—have played to packed audiences in New York, Los Angeles, and major Indian cities. Her recent touring material includes relationship-focused sets like How I Met Your Mother-in-Law, where she continues to challenge societal norms around marriage, motherhood, and sexuality.
Vaz co-created the critically acclaimed web series Shugs & Fats, which earned the prestigious Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Series (Short Form). This achievement cemented her reputation as a multi-talented creator capable of translating her comedic voice across different media formats.
As a columnist for The Times of India, Vaz's "Read it and weep" essays have become essential reading for those interested in incisive takes on gender, relationships, and everyday hypocrisies. Her writing, characterized by deadpan wit and unflinching honesty, has also appeared in prestigious publications including Vogue, Verve, and GQ.
Her candid memoir, Unladylike (Aleph, 2015), offers readers an unvarnished journey through four decades of her life. Written with a voice that balances brashness with thoughtfulness, the book continues to generate discussion and remains widely reviewed and discussed in literary circles.
In 2025, Vaz launched Good Headspace, a conversational comedy podcast where she engages with fellow comics, writers, and friends in debates about romance, ambition, and the complexities of human existence. New episodes and video content are available across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. She also maintains an active YouTube presence featuring her stand-up clips and monologues.
Vaz's work is distinguished by her commitment to using humor as a vehicle for social change. Recent interviews highlight her mission to challenge conventional thinking around traditionally sensitive topics. As she puts it, she wants to "make people think differently" while keeping audiences entertained. Her comedy serves as both mirror and catalyst, reflecting societal absurdities while encouraging audiences to question established norms.
Vaz continues to tour internationally with new material and thematic shows, appearing at comedy clubs, festivals, and conversation series. She remains active across multiple platforms, using her voice to address contemporary issues with the same fearless approach that has defined her career from the beginning.
Radhika Vaz continues to push boundaries in comedy and social commentary, using laughter as a powerful tool for cultural dialogue and personal reflection.