Tanvir Dosanjh is a Calgary-based stand-up comedian who built his comedic instincts the old-fashioned way — crammed into his cousins’ basement watching specials he was probably too young for, trying to figure out what made everyone laugh. Originally from Vancouver, he found his footing on the Calgary comedy scene through open mics, a front door job at The Laugh Shop, and a growing conviction that the topics you’re not supposed to talk about are usually the most worth exploring.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Talking about topics you’re “not supposed to talk about”. When I was growing up, my mother would always say that my mouth would get me in trouble (PAUSE). Then I found out about stand-up comedy and realized if what you’re saying is funny, you can get away with anything!
I like to use an observational angle with personal stories, cultural perspectives, and uncomfortable truths to expose the contradictions in modern life. Obviously, the first goal is to be funny.
Who are some of your influences?
Some of my influences (and please don’t laugh at me okay, this is my answer, I can say whoever I want!), Russel Peters, Louis C.K, and Patrice O’Neal. I know, I know, “Oh Tanvir, why are you not as funny as them?” Listen, these are people who influence me k.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
At the time, I didn’t really have a favourite comedian because I was too young to fully understand what I was watching. My older cousins were big comedy fans and introduced me to comedians like Dave Attell, Greg Giraldo, Bill Burr, Patrice O’Neal, Colin Quinn, Marc Maron, Andy Kaufman, Joe Rogan, Sam Kinison, and Richard Pryor.
A lot of those comedians appeared on Opie & Anthony, so I would listen to the show with my cousins in the car. Other times, I’d be sitting in their basement watching Insomniac or full comedy specials. Most of the material went over my head at the time, but I remember paying attention whenever everyone laughed because I wanted to understand what made something funny. Looking back, being exposed to so many different comedic styles at a young age probably had a bigger influence on me than I realized.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
My favourite comedian(s) right now would be Mark Normand, Joe List, Sam Morril, Louis C.K., and Shane Gillis. Is this fine? Is this allowed? Can I give multiple answers? Of course I can, this is my truth!
What is your pre-show ritual?
Before a show, I like to write my set list on cue cards and review it until I have the order memorized. Once I feel comfortable with the material, I put the cards away and focus on the moment. I think about what’s on my mind, what’s happening in the room, and what kind of banter I can use to connect with the audience before getting into my set.
I also like to have a backup plan. Comedy is unpredictable, so I mentally prepare for different scenarios. If a joke doesn’t land or the crowd isn’t responding the way I expected, I want to know where I can pivot. Whether that’s interacting with the audience, using a prop, or changing direction entirely, having a plan helps me stay relaxed and confident on stage. The last thing I do is make sure I check out all possible exits, in case I need to bolt out.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
The Laugh Shop! I’ve learned a lot from that venue. I would also say YukYuks. When I first visited Calgary (from Vancouver) for a day trip, I got on the Thursday Open Mic at YukYuks. That was the first place I felt the feeling of creating tension and then cutting it (or maybe it was just gas that I let out on stage). During that trip, I really wanted to hit up the Laugh Shop, but I had to go back to BC the next day. When I moved to Calgary, I went to see a show at the Laugh Shop. It was a Wednesday Pro/Am night, curated by the one and only James Moore. I genuinely enjoyed that night so much, no fake laughter, just overall a fun time and everyone from start to finish did amazing. After the show, I opened my IG and saw an advertisement saying the laugh shop is hiring (the phones… they are listening). I applied to be the door guy at the laugh shop and got the job! The Laugh Shop is where I learned the ins and outs that have helped me tremendously. It goes without saying the whole Laugh Shop family is amazing!
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
My favourite bit so far is what I call my “Racial-ist Closer” (Full set available on my YouTube). The basic idea is how at the zoo, they regulate how many monkeys are in a habitat, as they have to be up to standards. The living conditions must be humane. Meanwhile, you have 10+ international students living in a 2-bedroom basement. The joke goes on to say how, when I did this bit in front of an African American headliner, he seemed to be upset with me. When I approached him, he said where he is from, racist people call black people monkeys, and I began to explain how racist people call brown people monkeys too (I’ve been called that!). We go back and forth explaining, and at the end, a gentleman comes, sits between us and asks someone near us, “What are these two monkeys fighting about?” I’m proud of this bit because it walks a very fine line, but never crosses it. It’s risky, yet still grounded in truth.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Obviously favourite medium for listening to comics is in person, BUT if they can make me laugh out loud online through a screen, then they are the real deal! For finding comics, in person is cool, but usually when someone does amazing, they are mobbed by comedians and “fans” throwing their undergarments at the comic. My insecurities don’t allow me to approach them, so I like online! I can drop a like and send a cutesy, well-thought-out message in the DMs.
Tell us a joke about your city.
When I moved to Calgary, someone told me it hails the most in the North East, and I was like OK. So it hails the most in the North East, good thing their heads are covered!
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Just follow my Instagram @Tanvir.Yaps. I post stand-up clips, rants and sketches.
Now that’s my English page. If you speak Punjabi, Hindi, you can follow my sketch page on IG @thatBrownShow
Yeah. We multi cultural up in thiiiiiizzz
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Amol Suri. He’s hilarious, always a fun hang and super kind to me when I entered the Calgary Comedy Scene!
