Comedian Zarna Garg, a Mumbai-born artist who has now made her mark in the U.S. comedy scene, has publicly lauded America for providing her with the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Her journey, which began with escaping an arranged marriage at the age of 14, led her to a new life in America, where she has found the freedom to express her voice and share her experiences through comedy. Garg, who recently appeared on Fox News Digital, described the United States as a place where her unique perspective is valued, calling it the embodiment of the American Dream. ‘This is a country that looks at a person like me and says, we want to hear what you have to say,’ she remarked during the interview.
Garg’s transition from India to the U.S. was not without its challenges. She recounted how, back in her home country, she often faced cultural and familial pressures that stifled her ability to speak freely. Her parents, for instance, were known to discourage her from asserting her independent views, often telling her, ‘Who do you think you are, an American woman?’ This phrase, which she recounted with a mix of humor and nostalgia, highlights the cultural differences that have shaped her path. It was only after she immigrated to the U.S., where she was able to break free from these constraints, that she discovered her true calling — comedy.
Her career as a comedian began in 2019 on a whim. According to Garg, her daughter Zoya ‘forced’ her to attend her first open-mic night in New York City. Initially, she had intended to leave after a few minutes, but the experience left an indelible mark on her. ‘When I got up on that stage and I just rambled for a few minutes about my mother-in-law, life and whatever… I felt a click from the universe,’ she explained. This moment not only marked the beginning of her comedic journey but also served as a revelation — she realized that her observations could resonate with an audience, and that her voice was worth hearing.
The impact of this transformation was profound. Garg now views her career as a ‘destiny,’ something she once believed to be unattainable in her home country. When asked directly if she could have succeeded in India, she bluntly responded, ‘No chance in hell.’ She explained that the cultural and societal norms in India would have made it nearly impossible for her to pursue comedy. ‘None of what I’m doing would be possible back home. That’s what makes America, America,’ she said. The U.S., she believes, is a rare place where an individual’s opinions — even those of someone who may not fit the traditional mold — are welcomed and valued.
Beyond her work as a comedian, Garg is also the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, ‘This American Woman: A One-In-A-Billion Memoir,’ which chronicles her journey from India to the U.S. and her struggles with gender norms and cultural expectations. Her upcoming comedy special, ‘Practical People Win,’ is available on Hulu, and she is currently touring across the U.S. She is also set to perform for the first time in Mumbai, India, in an upcoming live show titled ‘Zarna Garg Family Podcast.’ While she is excited about this milestone, she is also aware of the cultural differences that may impact her performance. She humorously noted that Indians are ‘very serious people,’ and she feels the weight of their expectations during live comedies.
Garg’s journey underscores the challenges faced by individuals who seek to break free from cultural and familial constraints to pursue their own paths. Her story is not just about comedy — it’s about finding the courage to speak out, to live for oneself, and to embrace the possibility that one’s ‘destiny’ may be shaped by a land as far away as America. As she continues to perform and share her experiences, Garg remains a powerful symbol of the American Dream for those who dare to believe in it.