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Rasika Mathur, Comedian
Photos taken by Derek Ruth
Rasika MathurBreaking stereotypes? Check. Making South Asian Aunties & Uncles totally uncomfortable? Check. Acting funny as hell? Yep. Gassy? So we're told. If you haven't heard about this week's featured Young & Professional then we suggest you write her name on your forehead (with a permanent marker, if possible). This way you can remember her name and at the same time let the world know about one very amazing, very funny, Rasika Mathur. Rasika, age 22* (her birth certificate says 29 strangely enough) is a comedian by trade and someone we can all look up to. Not only because when she's high up on stage, there's only one direction we can look, but also because she sets the bar high in an industry not often traveled by those (especially women) in the South Asian Community. You really can't go on with your day until you've read all about her - how she got started, who she's looking to marry, and how she sets herself apart from the rest - all found in this week's Young & Professional Profile.
Website
www.RasikaMathur.com
Name
Rasika Mathur, 29 (22 is my "Hollywood Age"), Ham and Humorist
Hometown
Houston, Texas
Current residence
Los Angeles, California
Education
University of Texas at Austin, BS Advertising, Minor in Japanese
Work experience
Advertising from 1997 to present. Comedy from 1995 to present.
Ethnicity
Indian-Texan
How did you get started doing what you do?
I was trying to not do advertising anymore. Just sucking at it so bad. It didn't come as easy as being a character on stage. So the question in Chicago while working at Leo Burnett became "How do I do a 180 on this ****?"
What do you do today?
Uh, let's see that 180 question was 5 years ago. I'm still doing advertising as a dayjob. But it's the best-paying day job money can buy. Ain't no more cater waitering at HillCrest Crusty Country Club for me. No more Party Clown in the Hood. No more dungeon-kept Dr. Phil tape transcribing episodes at graveyard shift or serving coffee at 5am for the bandaid-on-her-forehead screaming red pantsuit-clad witch. I'm free. I wear a better-paying set of chains. Other than that, I write comedy and perform it.
Most Notable Achievements
Being asked back for a third season of MTV's Wild n' Out Show; getting a bed after 2.5 years of sleeping on the floor; this is too hard to answer. My standards are high, and I can't name much that I've achieved. Ask someone who loves me.
What's your niche?
Young, acerbic, female, Indian, comic improv, character actress. Add on 'with a nice ass' and you're probably describing me.
“I cannot throw away my old Wet N Wild lipstick 541A.” What's in store for the future?
A couple of sitcoms created and executive produced by me; character-driven films; a three-part series of children's books.
Unexpected learnings along the way
Your parents are not the scary, non-understanding, judgmental people you think they are.
Who would you like to be contacted by?
Comedy Central called. They want me to do my own half hour sketch show. Adult Swim called. They want me to do my own cartoon and do all the voices. FOX called. They're putting me on hold 'cause you;re not that important. Annnd, thanks for holding. They want me to write the first Indian-based sitcom that will actually get picked up. Christopher Guest called. Come do what I do.
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Best way to keep a competitive edge in your industry
Being a contribution to everyone and remembering that that's what I am. Never shutting off the fountain of creativity, always letting it flow. I've gotten more response by being generous than by being stingy.
Guiding principle in life
Take your own survival out of the outcome, and stand for the other guy. (Thank you Landmark!)
Yardstick of success
Having one blinking and three solid lights on the modem.
Goal yet to be achieved
Finding someone I'm intellectually, emotionally, physically, and spiritually connected with. And also finding someone I can marry.
Best practical advice
Drink water.
Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture
My friend Pam Kapoor from Houston Texas saw how afraid I was to perform once. She said "How dare you deny the world of your gift? Go up!"
Most memorable business experience
Being remembered by Andy Dick. (Only once. The next time, he totally blanked on who I was).
Mentors
Mrs. Barnes, Mr. Woods, Lewis Williams, Eddie Bonilla, Daryll Merchant. All who've guided me in career, friendships, love and life.
What motivates you for success?
Knowing that you guys haven't seen the half of what's erupting in this brain.
Like best about what you do
Connecting with an audience when I start going off into tangent land because they follow me to the ends of the earth. Making crew creak boards - it signifies them cracking up at your takes knowing they have to stifle their laughter cuz tape's rolling.
Like least about what you do
Opening up checks from which government has taken 35% of and from which you'll be giving away 25%. Bitch.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A commercial artist. Two years later I submitted my comic strip, Dirby Dog, to the Houston Chronicle. Still got the rejection letter to prove it.
Biggest pastimes outside of work
Enjoying all sorts of comedy, hiking, discovering new forms of yoga, not balancing my checkbook even though I might have a spare hour, eating sushi and everything else there is.
Person most interested in meeting and why?
Bono - because I have an idea about music and children I'd like to collaborate with him on.
Leader in business most interested in meeting and why?
Somebody from one of the big car companies because I have an idea about the way traffic commuters communicate that could change our world.
Three interesting facts about yourself
I believe I look 22 still because that's the age I started doing yoga.
I cannot throw away my old Wet N Wild lipstick 541A.
In 6th grade, I missed the word "crooked" in the District Spelling Bee.
Three characteristics that describe you
Energetic, Gassy, Affectionate
Three greatest passions
Improv Comedy, Living, Dogs
Favorite book
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior, by Dan Millman. My sister recommends anything by Dale Carnegie.
Favorite cause
The Transformation of Humanity (it's gonna be okay J); Bringing together Hindu and Muslim children as "peace pals".
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