You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes Paul Chowdhry
Mar 18, 2026
Paul Chowdhry, British stand-up known for arena shows and sharp specials. He chats about Sikh roots and upbringing. They dive into UK vs US touring life, translating jokes across cultures, and performing big venues versus intimate clubs. Conversation also touches on knife crime, celebrity anecdotes, and navigating online fame.
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Growing Up Sikh And Using Cultural Detail On Stage
- Paul Chowdhry recounts being born into a Sikh family and jokes about Sikh swords and service as part of his upbringing.
- He uses the story to explain cultural touchpoints (khanda/karpan) and to riff on misunderstandings between cultures on stage.
How Club Lineups Typecast New Comics
- Paul and Pete note that club audiences and rooms have distinct vibes and promoters historically cast lineups by perceived identity.
- Paul explains early-career booking patterns where comics were slotted as 'the Indian guy' or 'the black guy' and how that shaped opportunities.
From The Circuit To Chocolate Sundays And TV
- Paul recalls getting onto TV via Stan Latham and later performing on black nights at the Comedy Store and Chocolate Sundays.
- He explains how those bookings exposed him to varied audiences and doors like bigger TV opportunities.