Humor as a coping mechanism is a tale as old as time. We all use it to handle the small things that annoy us every day. I can’t imagine a life without a bit of humor and fun.
So when I heard that Marathi comedy genius Mandar Bhide was touring the USA, I knew I had to get him on the American Bhau Podcast. We talked about his US tour “Aale Pak.” We also talked about something bigger: how he quit a high-flying corporate sales career to do stand-up comedy.
Watch the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/kElyV0YOa8s
“The biggest risk is NOT taking the risk”
Mandar said this in the episode, and it stayed with me.
If you watch our podcast, you have probably noticed something. Most of our guests traded a safe, traditional path for something completely new. A scientist who became a cinematographer and director. A biology PhD who left corporate to work in early education. And now, a sales professional who walked on stage with a microphone.
None of them had a guarantee. What they had was a bet where the upside was far bigger than the downside.
The world is changing fast. Staying on the “safe” path is starting to look like the risky choice. I think taking smart risks has become essential, especially the ones where the possible return is much bigger than what you could lose.
My own bet
Three years ago, I quit software engineering. If I hadn’t, I would never have sat across from Mandar and heard his story, or talked with him about the growing Marathi stand-up comedy scene.
As they say, the best returns in life are always outside the herd.
Why humor matters
Humor doesn’t fix our problems. But it makes them lighter to carry. A good laugh with family can reset a stressful week.
That’s what makes Mandar’s show special. “Aale Pak” is clean, family-friendly comedy in our own language. When was the last time your whole family laughed at the same joke? Your parents, your kids, and you, all in the same row. No awkward moments with Aai-Baba sitting next to you. Just a show where everyone laughs together.
Catch Mandar live: 5 shows we’re part of, but he is performing elsewhere too, checkout the full schedule here https://www.dmepresents.com/
American Bhau is part of 5 of Mandar’s US shows. Four are DME Presents shows, and the fifth is our own show in Austin.
Philadelphia
• When: Saturday, October 10, 5:00 PM
• Where: Rotwitt Theater, McShain Performing Arts Center, 1400 Montgomery Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA
• Tickets: https://www.tugoz.com/events/dme/mbphilly?eid=113251
• Discount: Use code BHAU for 10% off
San Jose
• When: Sunday, October 25
• Tickets: https://www.tugoz.com/events/dme/mbsanjose?eid=113246
• Discount: Use code BHAU for 10% off
Seattle
• When: Friday, October 30, 7:00 PM
• Where: Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland, WA
• Tickets: https://www.tugoz.com/events/dme/mbseattle?eid=113256
• Discount: Use code BHAU for 10% off
Austin (our own show)
• When: Saturday, October 31, 4:00 to 6:00 PM
• Where: 305 Denali Pass Dr, Ste C, Cedar Park, TX
• Opening act: Koustubh Kekre
• Tickets: https://buy.stripe.com/eVq00j8657iW3dOeEaaR20i
• Discount: Use code BHAU for 10% off
The show ends at 6, so you can still take the kids trick-or-treating after.
New Jersey
• When: Sunday, November 8
• Tickets: https://secure.nbpac.org/mandar-bhide
• Discount: Use code BHAU for 10% off
See you at the show
Bring your kids. Bring your parents. Bring the friend who needs a good laugh this month. I hope you catch Mandar live. You’ll have a blast, guaranteed.
And if you haven’t watched our conversation yet, start there: https://youtu.be/kElyV0YOa8s
The Philadelphia, San Jose, Seattle and New Jersey shows are in partnership with DME Presents.
