Paul Chowdhry is no stranger to the spotlight. The trailblazing British-Asian comedian, known for his razor-sharp wit and unapologetic humor, has been making audiences laugh for over two and a half decades. As one of the UK’s most successful comedians, he has built a name for himself, keen observations, bold commentary, and a fearless approach to tackling cultural and societal issues. But what keeps him at the top of his game is his adaptability—whether it’s embracing social media, constantly refining his craft, or simply understanding what audiences want.
But today, as he prepares to embark on his huge UK tour this March, Luxurist sits down with Paul for an exclusive interview—revealing a different side of him: the model, the philosopher, and perhaps even the future British-Asian James Bond.
Dressed to Impress
Stepping into our Luxurist photoshoot dressed head-to-toe in Saran Kohli Label, Paul is looking uncharacteristically suave. “You’ve got me pimped up. You’ve got me looking good for the shoot,” he quips. And indeed, he does. For a man who claims he has a ‘face for radio,’ he’s turning heads like a rock star. And if you have taken to Paul’s Instagram lately, you would have seen he has become shredded. And those abs are real, not photoshopped “No – they are real; I am not AI – Artificial Indian” he deadpans. Classic Chowdhry.
A British-Asian James Bond?
Would the world be ready for a Desi Bond? Paul thinks so. “I could be the first British-Asian James Boond,” he jokes, before adding, “What gadgets would I have? Shake, not stir… masala chai.” Picture it: Paul Chowdhry, in a sleek tux, sipping on spiced tea before outwitting his nemesis with a sarcastic one-liner. A finger wagging Dr No-B****rd perhaps?!
The Road to Comedy Royalty
Paul’s journey into comedy wasn’t exactly paved with opportunities. “There were no real openings for us in the entertainment industry back in 1998,” he says. Fast-forward to today, and he’s packing out arenas, selling out Wembley, and now embarking on the biggest tour of his career, which will see him take over The O2 London and Birmingham Utilita Arena. “I’m up against Taylor Swift,” he laughs. “She should be worried.”
His new tour, Englandia, explores identity, politics, and what it means to be British-Asian in today’s world. “Comedy is a reflection of life,” he says. “It’s a way to respond to what we’ve gone through as a community.”
Family, Support, and Following Dreams
His career may seem effortless now, but what did his parents think when he first told them he wanted to be a comedian?
“I was always supported by my family,” he says. “Entertainment was something my family were open to, and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.”
Did the extended family raise an eyebrow? Paul laughs, “What’s it to them? In life, you’ve got to do what inspires you. You’re living your own life. Whether it’s relationships, career—don’t live your life through someone else’s lens because you’ll never be happy.”
That philosophy has carried him through the highs and lows of his career. “You don’t know how long you’re on this earth for. Today is all that’s guaranteed. If you don’t follow your dreams, you’ll always wonder what could’ve been.”
The Reality Behind the Comedy
Despite his success, Paul has faced deeply challenging times. After losing his parents, he found himself in a dark place. “There was a time I cancelled a tour. Dates were moved. I just wasn’t in the right headspace for a few years.”
Their passing reshaped his outlook on life. “You’ve got to live every day as it comes and fulfil their dreams as well,” he shares.
His fans may not have seen the struggle, but they’ve always been there to lift him up. “People only see what’s on the surface. No one knows what’s going on behind someone’s eyes.”
He pauses, then adds, “I’m trying to come out of that now. I’ve come out of it slightly, and now I’m back.”
On South Asians, Discounts & Comedy Gold
Paul’s entire career has been built on observational genius—spotting the quirks of our community and making them hilariously undeniable. Take South Asians and discounts.
“I thought ‘discount’ was a Punjabi word growing up,” he confesses. “I didn’t know it was English. Every Indian uncle I knew used it – just assumed it was ours.”
So does he offer discounted tickets for his show?
“No. This is my job. People think comedy is a hobby. Like I’m just out here doing stand-up for banter.”
Paul Chowdhry? Working for exposure? Absolutely not.
Englandia: The Tour That’s Selling Out Faster Than a Swift Album
Paul’s upcoming Englandia tour is making history—not just because it’s massive, but because he’s doing it his way. “Being born in England, my family from India, I created this title—Englandia,” he explains.
But let’s get real—how is he feeling about playing the O2?
“I’ve done it before, but this time, it’s my show. My name on the bill,” he says. And if the demand for tickets is anything to go by, it’s going to be monumental.
There’s only one problem—resale sites are hustling harder than Desi aunties at a wedding buffet. “People are paying £500 for a ticket that’s meant to be £20!” Paul exclaims. “I told them, I could have roasted them from the back of the room instead!”
So, if you want tickets (at the actual price), go to PaulChowdhry.com. If you buy them from Viagogo, don’t come crying to him later.
Dealing with the Backlash
Comedy in the modern age comes with its fair share of controversy. Paul has found himself in hot water more than once—most notably when the Sri Lankan community reached out to him after a joke about long names. “Then they signed off the email with something like gibberish,” he laughs. “That was literally the joke!”
But does he ever regret pushing boundaries? “I don’t apologise. I’m very PC,” he smirks, before adding, “Forgive the pun.”
The Luxury of Laughter
Despite his larger-than-life persona, Paul remains refreshingly down-to-earth. When asked what luxury means to him, his answer isn’t about private jets or designer labels. “Luxury is just having a roof over your head and being able to eat,” he says. “I’m not into pimping it up and showing off riches. Just be humble.”
That humility, coupled with his biting humor, is what makes him one of the most beloved comedians of our time. As he gears up for his Englandia tour, one thing is certain: Paul Chowdhry isn’t just making people laugh—he’s breaking barriers and proving that representation matters, one punchline at a time.
For those who want to catch him live, tickets for Englandia are available at paulchowdhry.com. But be quick—unlike some ticket resellers, Paul doesn’t do discounts.
Interview with British Asian Comedian: Paul Chowdhry
Creative Direction: Anisha Vasani
Interview by Editors: Anisha Vasani & Zamiha Desai
Photography and Videography: OMJ Photography
Menswear Design and Style: Saran Kohli
Hair and Makeup: Fatin H
Photoshoot Assistant: Sareena Verma
Location: Syrup Bar Lounge







