Once a homeless teen in Mumbai, now Zarna Garg’s a top comedian, touring with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.Zarna Garg was in her 40s living in New York City when she went to an open mic night for the very first time. Before that, she’d never even heard of stand up comedy and was only there, resentfully, at the insistence of her children who were convinced their mother would be a success. The kids were right, and Zarna – who was desperate for a new career – found her calling in comedy. Zarna has spent her whole life reinventing herself. Born in Mumbai to a wealthy Indian family, she was kicked out by her controlling father when she refused an arranged marriage. At the time, Zarna was a teenager and grieving the sudden death of her mother to illness. Overnight, Zarna became homeless, relying on the kindness of friends for a place to stay. After more than a year of instability, she succumbed to her father’s demands and agreed to be married. But just before the wedding, Zarna received a visa and arrived in the US – in pursuit of happiness and love, on her own terms. She supported herself through law school, became an unwitting pioneer of online dating, and raised a family. But decades later, Zarna was spiralling and rethinking all her life choices. Describing herself as a “manic, deranged Manhattan housewife,” she began various business ventures that “failed spectacularly.” When Zarna was ridiculed at a fancy dinner party by other guests – her husband came to her defence, declaring to the room, “one day you’re going to find your thing and you’re going to become unstoppable.”It was this crisis that led Zarna to become a stand up comic. After her clips started going viral online, Zarna caught the attention of some of the biggest stars of the entertainment world, and even got her own comedy special on TV. Zarna’s written a book called This American Woman: A One-in-a-Billion Memoir.Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Producer: Maryam Maruf and Helen FitzhenryLives Less Ordinary is a podcast from the BBC World Service that brings you the most incredible true stories from around the world. Each episode a guest shares their most dramatic, moving, personal story. Listen for unbelievable twists, mysteries uncovered, and inspiring journeys - spanning the entire human experience. Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected.
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why won't this episode play?
Lothar Hermann isn't unknown. Every book about Eichmann mentions him! Even before this neice, supposedly, discovered his role. What a very self important woman.
His story wasn't unknown. Every book about Eichmann talks about him! Lothar Hermann is all over history.
Great story
so inspiring
people are changed MARZIE they aren't racist anymore
A fantastic episode from a brilliant series
Am I the only one looking to find out WTF he wrote on the note he showed to the bank tellers???
very good podcast
wow! I found this story so absolutely amazing. it helped put things going on in my life into perspective.
Amazing story but one point, what she says about not being able to make yourself bankrupt in Scotland is wrong. Maybe it was true then but it certainly isn't now.
what an amazing woman sue is..such a touching story.
this story has made me into tears!
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wow It's a interesting story
wow what a story
What an incredible story!
There are beautiful stories here
What an incredible story!
I don't think you are pronouncing her last name properly. The "ch" in Callimachi is not pronounced as "kh" (as in Khan) but "Ch" as in "chess".