Kanan Gill

Kanan Gill is the doctor we all need! This Indian stand-up comedian, actor, and YouTuber has tickled funny bones and won hearts all over the country. From hosting the iconic YouTube series Pretentious Movie Reviews with his partner-in-comedy Biswa Kalyan Rath to making his mark in movies and comedy specials, Kanan’s journey has been a rollercoaster of hilarity and wit.

🚀 Launching into Comedy 🤣

Kanan’s tryst with comedy began when he participated in and won the Punch Line Bangalore Competition. The win ignited a spark in him, and he went on to conquer the stage at the Comedy Store in Mumbai. With laughter in his veins, Kanan left his software engineering job behind and embarked on a journey to make the world laugh.

• Punch Line Bangalore Winner: Kanan proved his mettle as a comedian early on by winning the prestigious Punch Line Bangalore Competition.
• Comedy Store Triumph: He charmed audiences at the Comedy Store in Mumbai, paving the way for his comedic career.

“This (makes a sweeping motion with his arms), how you feel right now, this is what I’m like. This is the vibe I bring to social gatherings.”

💻 Pretentious Movie Reviews – Lights, Camera, Laughter! 🍿

Kanan shot to fame with the viral YouTube series “Pretentious Movie Reviews,” where he and his partner-in-comedy, Biswa Kalyan Rath, hilariously dissected campy Bollywood films of yesteryears. Their quirky commentaries and over-the-top humor struck a chord with the audience, and the series became a massive hit.

• Viral Sensation: “Pretentious Movie Reviews” took the internet by storm, making Kanan and Biswa overnight sensations.
• Hilarious Movie Analysis: Their witty critiques of Bollywood films brought a fresh and hilarious perspective to Indian cinema.

🎬 Lights, Camera, Action – Movie and TV Ventures 🎥

Kanan’s comic brilliance transcended YouTube, and he ventured into the world of movies and TV. He made his acting debut in the movie “Noor,” sharing the screen with the talented Sonakshi Sinha. Additionally, he co-hosted the YouTube FanFest India and judged the comedic reality TV show “Comicstaan” on Amazon Prime Video.

• From YouTube to Silver Screen: Kanan’s acting talent shone through in his debut movie “Noor,” proving his versatility.
• Comedic Reality Judge: He lent his expertise as a judge on “Comicstaan,” inspiring and mentoring aspiring comedians.

“The guiding light I used was to joke about only my experience and say only the things that I would find funny in the darkest times.”

🤣 Stand-Up Specials 🎙️

In 2017, Kanan released his own one-hour comedy special, “Keep It Real,” on Amazon Prime Video. With his signature wit, he explored various subjects, including hilarious anecdotes about talking to parents and reflections on the Indian Constitution. Later, his special “Yours Sincerely, Kanan Gill” premiered on Netflix, showcasing his edgier and grungier persona.

• Amazon Prime Hit: “Keep It Real” became an instant hit on Amazon Prime Video, earning Kanan a loyal fanbase.
• Netflix Stardom: His special “Yours Sincerely, Kanan Gill” on Netflix further solidified his status as a comedy superstar.
• Going out Solo: Kanan’s third special, Is This It? a two-hour behemoth, premiered for an experimental Pay-Per-View on Insider Frontstage.

🌐 From India to the World 🌍

Kanan’s popularity knew no boundaries, and he embarked on international tours, performing across North America, Australia, the UK, Asia, and the Middle East. His comedy shows sold out in multiple cities, proving that laughter knows no language barriers.

• Global Comedic Tour: Kanan’s hilarious performances captivated audiences around the world, earning him international acclaim.
• Laughter Beyond Borders: His comedy transcended cultural boundaries, spreading joy to diverse audiences.

📺 Comicstaan – Mentor and Judge 🧑‍⚖️

Not only did Kanan conquer the stage as a comedian, but he also became a mentor and judge on India’s first Stand-Up Comedy Reality Show, “Comicstaan.” The Amazon Prime Original series provides a platform for budding comedians to shine, and Kanan’s valuable insights have guided many talents.

• Mentoring the Future: Kanan’s role as a mentor on “Comicstaan” shaped the next generation of comedy stars.

🎙️ Multi-Hyphenate

• Podcast Shenanigans: Kanan Gill, along with designer Manek D’Silva, keeps us entertained with “The Official NNN Podcast.” The duo hilariously tackles the least important topics in the world, making sure there are smiles even when there are no notifications on our phones!
• Wordsmith: Kanan used to maintain humorous blogs called Cheesecake and 100 Apologies (which has since been taken down). His dream of becoming an author will finally be fulfilled in 2023 with a book coming out with HarperCollins!

🎭 Acting and Writing 📝

Beyond his stand-up comedy and YouTube ventures, Kanan Gill also showcased his talents in acting and writing. He co-wrote the movie “Aachar & Co” and has appeared in various web series, including “Better Life Foundation” and “Son of Abish.”

• Multi-talented Artist: Kanan’s versatility extends to writing and acting, proving his prowess in multiple creative fields.
• Web Series Star: His appearances in web series have delighted audiences with his unique brand of humor.

“Please do what the modern world is hell-bent on preventing you from doing–enjoy your life.”

🌟 A Comedian with Heart ❤️

Beyond the laughter, Kanan addresses serious subjects with a touch of humor. In his segment on mental health, he navigates the delicate balance between comedy and solidarity, shedding light on the importance of open conversations about depression and emotional struggles.