Indian- American comedian Zarna Garg recently explained why she performed at Riyadh Comedy Festival amidst massive backlash that the festival had received online.
In an interview with Mayim Bialik’s podcast, Garg explained that performing at the festival was about more than booking a comedy show. She attended the festival because she wanted to represent the women who couldn’t see someone who looked like them up on stage speaking their mind freely.
Background on Riyadh Comedy Festival
Riyadh Comedy Festival is a comedy festival based in Saudi Arabia. From September to October 20th 2025, Riyadh Comedy Festival booked some of the largest names in stand-up comedy. Comedians like Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, and Aziz Ansari are just a few names that appeared at the festival. Though the festival was met with praise by some, many viewed the festival as problematic due to Saudi Arabia’s track record with human rights.
Zarna Garg Justified Performing Because of Representation
Garg noted that there was a significant female following for her already. Women from the area would reach out to her on social media, telling her that they hope their daughters can one day see someone that looks like them up on stage just speaking.
She said that while comedy has now become international thanks to the internet. There are some places where people cannot publicly experience certain forms of comedy due to their government or culture. By performing at the festival, Garg felt that she was representing these women.
Money Wasn’t a Factor
Garg made a very valid point when she said that she wasn’t performing at the festival for the money. Most comedians invited to perform at the festival are already well-off. They could make similar amounts of money if they chose to instead perform in the United States. Zarna Garg said that for her, it was about more than a paycheck.
By denying the opportunity, comedians would be ignoring an audience that looks to western media for representation. It’s a tough situation because while opening up communities is important. Some argue that performing in countries with restrictions on freedom of speech only further condones it.
Supporting Change?
Of course, Garg knows that Saudi Arabia has its flaws. She doesn’t deny that there are certainly things about their culture that are not ideal. But by allowing women to be on the lineup for such a large festival, it can allow some women to see that change is happening at least at a small degree.
Instead of looking at the performance as support for a government, she saw it as an opportunity to give a platform to those who are looking to hear new voices. Either way, folks came for Zarna Garg but stayed for her logical stance on a very hot topic.
