Saanya Nanda is a Montreal-based comedian who describes her style as “playful horror”—a fitting descriptor for someone who cites Jonathan Swift’s savage satire and Alan Moore’s dark morality as influences alongside Louis C.K.’s structural precision. A student of the craft who believes her best bit is always the one she hasn’t written yet, Nanda uses comedy to explore her own imperfections and struggles, bringing a philosophical depth to her work.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Playful horror.
Who are some of your influences?
Louis C.K. for structure and restraint, Jonathan Swift for savage satire, and Alan Moore for exploring dark morality.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
George Carlin.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Louis C.K. His command of language and structure is unmatched, and he still operates at a stadium level while obsessing over craft.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I like to stand at the back of the room and listen to the audience before I go on.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Yuk Yuk’s Ottawa. It’s a legacy stage where comics like Norm Macdonald came up, and it has been wonderful to me. I recently opened for Aaron Berg there. A close second is the Comedy Mothership in Austin.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
My favourite bit is the one I haven’t written yet. I use my work to explore my imperfections and struggles.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Comedy clubs. I make a point of seeing shows in every city I’m in. Nothing compares to live comedy.
Tell us a joke about your city.
Montreal: poutine, pum pum, and Prozac.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
poop.fm, my podcast.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Joel Slavik. He opens for Sugar Sammy.
