Meet the Gujarati Comedians bringing THE LAVARI SHOW to Bangkok this August

With a blend of stand-up, improv, and podcast-style chaos, four Gujarati comedians are bringing “The Lavari Show” to Bangkok on 31 August. We caught up with the comedians ahead of their Bangkok debut to talk about everything from on-stage disasters and Gujarati humour to last-minute rituals and emotional homecomings.

The line-up includes Manan Desai, Chirayu Mistry, Om Bhatt, and Deep Vaidya, each bringing their own flavour to what promises to be an unforgettable night.

While Manan is returning, it will be the first Thailand performance for Chirayu and Om and a different kind of debut for Deep, who once visited Bangkok to perform at a Gujarati wedding. “That was more of a closed event,” said Deep. “This time, it’s a full ticketed show, it feels official.”

Manan mentioned that he previously performed solo at The Bangkok Comedy Club, but now, he's excited to perform The Lavari Show in Bangkok with the full crew.

So, what exactly makes Gujarati comedy stand out? According to the group, Gujarati comedy creates a deeper connection. Manan noted that regional comedy generally gets more laughs and ignites emotions because people find it more relatable. He adds that Gujarati culture is particularly interesting as it encompasses a rich blend of business acumen, festivities like garba, and a love for food.

Chirayu adds that while Hindi comedy might evoke feelings of nostalgia for one's country, Gujarati comedy brings you back to your home.

Manan and Deep also highlighted that the enthusiasm and anticipation of Gujarati audiences abroad often hit differently compared to those in India. Gujaratis living overseas are usually more excited and on time since they are less exposed to this kind of entertainment. Audiences in India, on the hand, usually take a more laid-back approach, showing up a bit later because Gujarati language shows are widely common there.

When asked who’s most likely to forget their lines, the group quickly clarified: they don’t, as they're professionals. But during the improv segment, things can get unpredictable. Om admitted that “We tend to break on stage because of some joke the other person cracks,” Chirayu added, “Because improv is not rehearsed.” Manan explained that improv makes up about 10–15% of the show and is based entirely on audience suggestions.

As for pre-show rituals, Manan joked, “I usually piss off Chirayu.” The team has a habit of pulling each other’s legs before going on stage, like literally. Chirayu noted that the most rehearsed part lately is deciding who opens the show, often left undecided until 30 minutes before. “Sometimes Manan changes it at the last minute,” he said. To deal with the suspense, Chirayu, Deep, and Om now leave the venue one minute before the show.

Manan shared that he was always drawn to the stage, often mimicking teachers during school functions. When he told his mother he wanted to pursue comedy, she gave him an ultimatum in which he had to match his salary through comedy. “It took me two to three years,” he said, explaining how he balanced 8–10 hours of comedy weekly alongside a 12-hour job before going full-time.

Deep spoke about his family’s initial concerns, as no one in his family was from the entertainment industry. Despite the doubts, his desire to entertain and connect with people kept him going. Chirayu added that having a clear path, thanks to Manan’s early success, made it easier for him to navigate his own journey. “It was a struggle to get laughs,” he said, but seeing his peers succeed helped ease his family’s worries too.

“Only 50 left!” said Chirayu, encouraging fans to grab their seats. The team is excited to bring The Lavari Show to Bangkok, which is going to be a unique blend of solo stand-up, group podcast-style banter, and improvised comedy based on audience suggestions.

Manan added, “We wish for all the Gujaratis in Bangkok to come for the show. It’s going to be a blast. You’re getting three genres of comedy, four comedians, and full entertainment in one ticket.

The show takes place on Saturday, 31st August 2025 at 7:00 PM at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok. If you're planning to go, you can book your ticket here before seats run out.