Zakir Khan stages show in Hindi at New York's famed MSG

Story by ATV | Posted by Aasha Khosa | Date 18-08-2025

Zakir Khan on the stage of Madison square garden, New York, USA

Onika Maheshwari/ New Delhi

One of India's leading stand-up comedians, Zakir Khan, made history by becoming the first to perform a Hindi-language show at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, New York. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Indian comedy on the global stage.

Known for his relatable storytelling and unique style, Zakir Khan has garnered a massive following with his performances that resonate deeply with audiences.

Zakir Khan was joined on stage by another Indian comedian, Tanmay Bhat.

Zakir Khan with comedian Tanmay Bhat in New York

His MSG show is part of his North American tour, which includes stops across the U.S. and Canada.

In an exclusive interview with Fox 5 New York, Zakir Khan discussed the significance of performing in Hindi at such a prestigious venue and shared insights into his journey as a comedian.

The poster of his show appeared on the massive billboards of Times Square. He was also spotted giving interviews on American media platforms and cooking with celebrity chef Vikas Khanna.

Poster of Zakir Khan's show at Times Square, New York

In the jam-packed show, Zakir presented a great blend of his comic timing and simplicity. His unique style and connection with the audience have given him a distinct identity, and this debut will strengthen that identity even more.

Zakir Khan’s show is a big milestone for Indian comedy and the Hindi language. He often depicts the quintessential 'aam aadmi' and his image as a “sakth lauda” (tough guy).

Zakir Khan with fans in New York

Khan, 37, who has more than 8.2 million YouTube subscribers and has sold more than 200,000 tickets worldwide in the past three years, according to his representatives.

The tour will also take him to Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Lauderhill, Florida, and Phoenix, as well as Canadian cities such as Montreal and Toronto.

"Madison Square Garden was never part of the plan - it always seemed like a place for movie scenes and big stars, not for city boys like me. But sometimes, life takes you beyond your dreams," says Khan, who hails from Indore, Madya Pradesh.

Zakir Khan's Madison Square Show

"This show is not about any big achievement - it's just a reminder that if you stay true to your journey, even the quietest voice can make it to the loudest stage. The opportunity to represent India on such a global platform and bring my vision of comedy to this part of the world is both gratifying and a huge burden, a dream I'm dying to live."

After dropping out of college in Indore, Khan initially pursued a career as a radio DJ, but developed an interest in comedy. In 2012, he won Comedy Central India's "India's Best Stand-Up" competition and has appeared on some of the world's biggest stages.

Zakir Khan with American TV host Olive John

In 2023, he became the first Asian comedian to perform solo at the Royal Albert Hall.

His podcast "Umeed" is one of the most-streamed podcasts in India, and English speakers can also find his comedy in five specials on Amazon Prime Video, including "Haq Se Single" and this year's "Delulu Express."

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The announcement of his appearance on MSG described Khan's comedy as "reflecting the emotions, struggles, and dreams of Indian families and young people seeking success in modern India".