Azhar UsmanAZHAR USMAN, also known as “bin Laughin” and the “Ayatollah of Comedy,” was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. Growing up in an Indian-American Muslim family, Azhar started thinking about the questions of race and ethnicity from an early age. As a teenager, he became wildly interested in spirituality, philosophy, and history of religion.
Before stand-up comedy found Azhar, he had a chance to co-found an Internet start-up company, practice law, and serve as an advocate in his community. Azhar's light-hearted, intelligent, and at times philosophical jokes are aimed at Islam, its followers, and de-humanizing stereotypes that plague them in the U.S. and around the world. His unique cultural perspective allows him to tackle serious issues like war, terrorism, and violence, while still appealing to wide audience around the globe. For more info please visit: http://www.azhar.com/ |
PROJECTS:
- In Tinku's World, a semi-scripted alternative web-comedy show, Usman plays Tinku Patel, an Indian filmmaker who goes to the U.S. to find out if Americans are living an American dream. - Laugh in Peace, a project, featuring a rabbi, a female minister, and a Muslim, is intended to promote interfaith tolerance and dispel stereotypes about Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities. - In Make Chai Not War American stand-up comedians go to India to promote cross-cultural understanding. The tour's proceeds go to Apna Ghar, a Chicago-based shelter for abused women and children. - Allah Made Me Funny, a show that ultimately made Azhar and his co-stars Mo Amer and Preacher Moss international celebrities, attempts to end racism. - Citizen of the World, Usman's latest project, is a one-man show with a philosophical twist. Usman studies "human behavior and the fundamental, transcendent realities of the human condition." |
Comedy
Azhar Usman talks about the diversity within the Muslim community by making impressions of different ethnic groups at the mosque.
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In this sketch the comedian is making fun of Muslims who are trying to get a day off for Eid.
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Azhar Usman performs live at the famous Zanies Comedy Club in Chicago. He attempts to break stereotypes of Muslims in America.
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Media Coverage
This CBS interview features three comedians: a Jewish rabbi, a Minister, and a Muslim, performing on their "Laugh in Peace" tour.
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Watch Muslim Comedian on PBS. See more from Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly. In this PBS piece, Usman discusses how he uses comedy to promote a better understanding of the Muslim community.
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The interviewer Jen Knoedl deems Usman's latest project, "Citizen of the World," "deep, smart, and funny."
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