Despite the bone-chilling cold and the second snowfall in nearly 700 days, New Yorkers were treated to an unforgettable night of laughter as eight renowned Nepali comedians took the stage at the Tibetan Community Center in Woodside, Queens. The event, part of the month-long comedy tour ‘Ab Haschha America,’ was aptly named ‘Ab Haschha New York.’
Organized by Vinod Adhikari’s Fly Nepa organization, with local coordination by Binita Tamang and Manita Gurung, the comedy night featured a diverse range of satire, covering topics from Nepali politics to the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA).
Sandip Chhetri, Bharatmani Paudel, Suman Karki, Kailash Karki, Bishnu Prasad Gaudel, Sajan Shrestha, Santosh Thapa, and Suman Koirala masterfully satirized political leaders, touching on issues like airport smuggling and criticizing the political landscape within the NRNA organization. The comedians skillfully blended humor with social commentary, addressing the anomalies in Nepali society and abroad.
Travel advisories and warnings had been issued earlier in the day due to the challenging weather conditions. However, the comedians managed to captivate the audience for nearly three hours, eliciting laughter and joy.
From lighthearted to serious comedy, the performers showcased their versatility, connecting with the audience on a personal level. They delved into the love of Nepali people living abroad, and at times, the audience found themselves emotionally engaged.
The event, moderated by Suresh Shahi, featured New York State Senator John Liu. Citations were awarded to all the comedians on behalf of John Liu, New York State Assemblyman Steven Raga, and New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, recognizing their contribution to cultural exchange through laughter.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to the artists, audience, and sponsors for the successful completion of the program. The ‘Ab Haschha America’ tour, which began in North Carolina, is set to continue in about a dozen cities. Most of the comedians in the team gained prominence from the TV reality show Comedy Champion, making their debut in the United States with this tour.
Photo: Bikrant Shrestha/Namlo EventsÂ