Meet Vipul Munshi | Comedian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vipul Munshi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vipul, what makes you happy? Why?

When I was younger, I thought happiness was all about achieving things—getting the latest gadget, going to a fancy dinner, or hitting big milestones. But as I’ve grown, especially through comedy, I’ve realized it’s not about the stuff—it’s about the moments. Making people laugh is, hands down, the best feeling in the world. Whether I’m on stage or just riffing with friends, there’s something so special about connecting with people through humor. It’s like this unspoken understanding that we’re all in on the same joke, even for just a moment.

A lot of that comes from the people in my life. My family and friends are everything—they keep me grounded, they remind me about what really matters, and they give me endless material. I mean, half my jokes are basically inspired by their antics.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Tell us more about your art. 

I am a stand-up comedian. My art revolves around creating moments that make you, the audience, feel perfectly normal while I appear to be the one who is off. It’s about helping you realize that it’s okay to laugh at yourself through my performance.

What are you most proud of or excited about?

When you’re starting out in comedy, you’ll perform just about anywhere—as long as there’s a mic and someone willing to listen. One of my proudest moments happened a few years ago at a local brewery gig. After the show, someone came up to me and said, “I didn’t want to come out tonight—my friend forced me. But as rough as my week has been, I needed this. Thank you.” That moment always sticks with me because I was convinced I bombed, but sometimes that’s exactly what resonates with someone.

I’m excited for the next time I kill (a set on stage) or the next time I bomb (also on stage)…I’m excited just to do what I love. Stand-up comedy.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy?

Nothing worth having in life comes easy, and comedy is no exception. There’s no roadmap for “making it” in stand-up, and that’s both the challenge and the beauty of it. When you start out, it’s a rinse-and-repeat process: write material, test it at open mics, tweak it, perform it at shows, and then do it all over again. And when you make it, the process is the same.. and that’s the beauty of this game.

It can be grueling, but the energy in green rooms at shows and open mics is electric, honest. You’re surrounded by people from all walks of life united by one goal: have you laugh at yourself through them. No one is forced to be there; everyone has chosen to step out of their comfort zones to chase something they love. That shared energy is exhilarating.

At this stage, I’ve had the opportunity to perform at legendary venues like The Comedy Store, Hollywood Improv, and Laugh Factory and all over California. Comedy has been a process of persistence and learning but the laughs have made it all worth it.

What lessons have you learned along the way?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that comedy is deeply subjective. You can’t make everyone laugh, and that’s okay. The process requires vulnerability, patience, and trust in yourself. Developing a unique voice and perspective on stage takes time.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want people to see me on stage and think, “Yep, I’ve been there,” or “Oh, I do that too,” and just crack up. My goal is to turn life’s shared chaos into laughs—the kind that remind us we’re all just trying to survive the same mess, and it’s totally fine to laugh at how ridiculous it gets.  I’ve been through my fair share of struggles too but comedy has always been my “why” factor. And then there’s my late friend Harvin, who introduced me to stand-up and somehow knew I was funny before I did. He’s a big reason I’m doing this today. Every time I’m on stage, it feels like I’m carrying his humor and spirit with me. If I can make people laugh and forget their worries, even for a little while, then I know I’m doing something right.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Breakfast: Start the day at République. The food’s amazing, and it’s got that perfect LA vibe to get you in the mood for the day.

Indian Food: For a tasty lunch, head over to Little India. Surati Farsan Market is great for snacks, and if you’re craving biryani, Paradise Biryani Pointe is the real deal.

In-N-Out: You can’t visit LA without In-N-Out. It’s iconic for a reason.

Venice Beach: If you’re looking for a chill afternoon, the Venice Beach boardwalk is perfect. Great ocean views, street performers, and just the quirky energy of LA. If you want more beach vibes, Malibu is always a good move.

Newport Beach: If you’re up for a little adventure outside the city, rent a Duffy boat in Newport Beach. It’s a super relaxing way to cruise the harbor. Or, for something more active, rent bikes and cruise the boardwalk.

Dinner: For tacos, Tacos Nazo in El Monte is my go-to—super casual and always satisfying. If you’re in Orange County, Kaju Soft Tofu in Buena Park is delicious, or hit up Javier’s in Crystal Cove for a sunset and some spicy margaritas. In LA, Bestia in the Arts District or L’Antica Pizzeria in Hollywood are both amazing spots.

Comedy: Wrap up the day with laughs at The Comedy Store, Westside Comedy Theater, or Laugh Factory. And, of course, you’ve got to catch Vipul on stage before you leave LA!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

My mother. She is, without a doubt, one of the most resilient and funniest people I’ve ever known. She raised two kids while working two jobs, always putting our needs above her own, no matter how hard life got. I’ve changed my career path more times than she could probably count, but through every twist and turn, she’s been my unwavering source of support. In the moments when I’ve felt small, unsure, or scared, she’s always been there to remind me that I have nothing to fear because she’s got my back.

When I told her I wanted to become a comedian, her first response was, “Why, was President not an option?”—classic Mom, always finding the humor in everything. But behind the jokes, she’s been my number one supporter, cheering me on every step of the way. So much of her personality—her strength, her wit, her warmth—finds its way into the jokes I write and the stories I tell. I wouldn’t be who I am today, on stage or off, without her. No, really—I’d be a completely different person because, well, if she wasn’t my mom, someone else would be! Haha.

Website: https://www.vipulmunshi.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comedianvipulm/

Image Credits
ROBERT CUADRA
YUDHI SHARMA