Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayur Chauhan.
Mayur, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m an immigrant. I grew up on Bollywood films in New Delhi. I came to NYC on a work-visa. While I was in NYC, like a true New Yorker, I rarely drove a car, ate plenty of street food and started acting, writing and doing stand-up comedy. I also made a big deal about the couple of short films I made.
I moved to L.A. a couple of years ago for, you know, the usual.
In 2018, I created “Connected2U!” an under-a-minute weekly YouTube web series satirizing our relationships and dependency on technology & social media.
At around the same time, because I never drew anything before, I started drawing & posting cartoons everyday, for a little over one year on my Instagram and Twitter accounts. Some were funny, some were the proof that I have the kindest friends, who love and support everything I do.
My humor pieces started getting published in places like McSweeney’s, Points in Case, and Funny-ish. (Although, I’ve asked the editor, Liz Galvao, to change the name to Funniest. I’ll keep you posted).
I’m fortunate that last year I was offered the coveted Second City Bob Curry Fellowship. It was one of the most special experiences. I met and learned from a great team of mentors, teachers, staff-members, comedians, and performers/friends at Second City. They continue to inspire me everyday.
When we were in the lockdown, I started an online comedy show called “Jokes From Home With Mayur Chauhan” because a) that’s my name and b) I felt it could be a long while before we got back to doing live shows. But more importantly, sometimes out of curiosity or uncontrollable urges, we dive into the deep end without knowing too much about anything. I believe it’s a good feeling. Too important to be ignored.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I wouldn’t change a single thing. I am so grateful for every experience, I feel so lucky to have always been able to find an amazing group of friends, mentors and collaborators at every stage of my career. Part of it comes from getting out of my own way and being inspired by my friends. A few examples come to mind:
I met my comedian friend Liz Glazer at an open mic. She does more mics and shows in a week than any ten other comics combined would do in a month.
Another friend – Marian Yesufu, one of the most hardworking performers in L.A created Black Women In Comedy Festival and used to do tons of shows every month (when it was safe and things were open).
Oscar Ramirez, Rosena Cornet, Teri Gamble and all my other friends from the Bob Curry Fellowship have been regularly producing and creating really funny videos.
My writer friends Sally Miller, Carrie Grinstead and Lara Lillibridge keep writing regularly and getting published.
Nadia Anwar, Misha Molani, Sandra Shelly, Denis Shepherd are some of the most creative and generous L.A friends who are regularly creating their own content and have given me a chance to work with them and learn from them.
Pavar Snipe- the comedy Queen and my first L.A friend.
My mentors, friends, ideals – John Mullican, Pat Skipper, Saritha Vuppala & Bruce Hermann.
All the essential workers.
All of these people and so many other friends inspire me on a daily basis.
Also, now that I’m producing my own online show, I’m learning so much along the way, and I have so much more love and respect for show Bookers and Hosts. In a way, everything also becomes a fun learning experience for me. It’s a matter of perspective that I try to keep in mind every day.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a jack of all trades and a Master of Business Administration. I’m an actor- writer-director-comedian. I write short stories, flash fiction, satirical pieces, screenplays, pilots and some tweets that could go viral any minute now. I draw cartoons and also teach to all age groups at The Second City, Hollywood.
There have been many wonderful moments. I’ll quickly share a few:
I was in India when my first humor piece was published in McSweeney’s. The timing couldn’t have been better because I was there to translate the jokes in Hindi for my parents and watch them laugh.
A few months ago, while in the lock-down, I started sharing weekly “Great Things This Week” posts on my social media. I feel it’s a good reminder to myself that there are always things worth appreciating and being grateful for around us.
Through our “Jokes From Home with Mayur Chauhan” show, so far we’ve made donations to ACLU, Action Bail Fund L.A, Equal Justice Initiative, Color of Change, V-Day, and PEN America. Everyone has been extremely supportive of the show, we’ve been able to make people laugh during a difficult period, and contribute to amazing causes while trying to be a positive distraction.
Lastly, I don’t think I’m different from anyone. We’re all one. We’re all in this together. Every time anyone of my friends books an acting role or gets published, or gets excited about free wi-fi, it makes my day!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m always looking forward to a nap. Seriously. It’s so good. Other than that, I’ll continue creating everything that chooses me.
Thank you so much for having me. I wish you and all of the Voyage L.A team members my best in everything. It’s a great platform and I really appreciate what you do. Please take care of each other and stay safe.
Virtual hugs.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mayurchauhanstory.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayurchauhanstory/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MayurKChauhan
- Other: YouTube: http://bit.ly/myrchnonyoutube
All relevant links: https://linktr.ee/jokesfromhome
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