Rohan Joshi

A comedian, actor, writer, and social media influencer, he has carved a niche that transcends conventional boundaries. From his uproarious stand-up performances to co-founding the revolutionary comedy group All India Bakchod (AIB), Rohan’s journey is a kaleidoscope of innovation, resilience, and connection. His ability to blend humor with social commentary, coupled with his ventures into acting and digital media, has made him a prominent figure in the entertainment landscape. This article delves into the multifaceted world of Rohan Joshi, exploring his career, controversies, personal life, and the indelible mark he has left on comedy and beyond.

“In Indian stand-up, the Bombay crowd is the most critical because here, at any given point, 20 comedians are putting up a show metres from your house. At places where stand-up shows are rare, the audience is not that critical. This also pushes comedians to work hard. The audience asks, I have seen 10 angles to this topic already, what new thing are you bringing?” – Rohan Joshi, Source

Early Life and Education 🎓

Rohan Joshi’s journey began in the bustling city of Mumbai, where he was born and raised. He attended Cumballa Hill High School and later joined KJ Somaiya College of Engineering. However, a traumatic experience with a teacher led him to drop out and pursue a media course.

• Birthdate and Place: February 22, 1983, South Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Family Background: Son of Dilip Joshi and Kumudini Kiran Joshi
• Educational Qualifications: KJ Somaiya College of Engineering (dropped out), Media Course
• Early Interests: Comedy, acting, writing

Comedy Career 🎭

Stand-up Comedy: The Beginning 🎤

Rohan Joshi’s journey into stand-up comedy began in 2008 when he first performed in Mumbai. His unique style, wit, and ability to connect with the audience quickly made him a favorite on the comedy circuit.

• First Performance: Mumbai, 2008, Hamateur Nights organized by Vir Das
• Comedy Style: Observational humor, satire
• A Rising Star: His performances quickly gained popularity, leading to shows across India and international stages.
• Themes and Style: Rohan’s comedy often explores social issues, relationships, and personal experiences, delivered with wit and charm.

“My journey with comedy began with a two-minute set at an open mic called ‘Hamateur Nights’ that Vir Das was running. It was terrifying because I didn’t understand how difficult it was before I got up on stage and gratifying because I’ll never forget that first roar of laughter from the audience. Subsequently, I began working with Vir regularly and learned a lot very quickly, which gave my journey a running start.” – Rohan Joshi, Source

All India Bakchod (AIB): A New Era of Comedy 🚀

In 2012, Rohan co-founded All India Bakchod (AIB), a comedy sketch group that revolutionized Indian comedy. AIB’s sketches, podcasts, and live shows became immensely popular, making them a household name.

• Co-Founding AIB: Rohan co-founded AIB with Tanmay Bhat, Gursimran Khamba, and Ashish Shakya, creating a comedy sensation.
• Innovative Content: AIB produced sketches, podcasts, and shows that became viral hits, including “On Air with AIB” and “Honest Series.”
• Impact and Legacy: AIB’s bold and edgy content played a pivotal role in shaping India’s comedy landscape.
• Popular Sketches: “Honest Indian Flights,” “Rape? It’s Your Fault”
• AIB Roast Controversy: Legal issues and public backlash

“AIB is not those one or two people but a team of 30 people.” – Rohan Joshi, Source

Stand-up Specials and Comedy Shows 🎟️

Rohan’s stand-up specials, including “Wake and Bake,” have been praised for their humor, insight, and originality. He has performed across India and internationally, earning acclaim for his performances.

• “Wake and Bake” (2020): A solo stand-up special
• Live Performances: Shows across India and abroad
• Collaborations: Work with other comedians and artists

“It’s a relaxed, chill show. The special is not going to be a profound, life-changing experience. It’s about just relaxing and enjoying. It’s about my perspective, being in my thirties, on things like marriage, education, sex, privilege, and, of course, marijuana legalisation.” – Rohan Joshi, Source

Comedy Writing and Content Creation ✍️

Rohan’s talents extend to writing and content creation. He has written for various shows, advertisements, and online platforms, showcasing his versatility and creativity.

• Writing for TV Shows: Contributions to shows like “On Air with AIB”
• Content Creation: Videos, sketches, and online content
• Advertising Work: Writing for ad campaigns

“The process is simple, you write a set and then perform it, some bits work and some don’t. And, based on that, you rewrite. And, then you perform it again and this cycle continues until you get it right.” – Rohan Joshi, Source

Acting Career 🎬

Rohan Joshi’s acting career is as diverse as it is impressive. From AIB sketches to movies and TV series, he has showcased his talent in various roles.

AIB Videos: Comedy and Satire 🎭

Rohan’s work with AIB (All India Bakchod) includes numerous sketches and videos where he played various characters, often using humor to comment on social and political issues.

• Sketches and Parodies: Playing different roles in AIB videos
• Collaborations: Working with fellow AIB members and guest stars

Film Appearances 🎥

Rohan’s filmography includes roles in movies like “Axone” (2019), “Junglee” (2019), “Mission Mangal” (2019), and “Baar Baar Dekho” (2016).

• “Axone” (2019): Played the character Shiv
• “Junglee” (2019): Portrayed Jayesh
• “Mission Mangal” (2019): Role of Dilip Shinde
• “Baar Baar Dekho” (2016): Supporting role

Television and Web Series 📺

Rohan’s work in television and web series showcases his versatility and ability to adapt to different formats.

• “Half CA” (2023): TV Series, played Parth Niyaati in 4 episodes
• “Dahan: Raakan Ka Rahasya” (2022): Played Aney
• “Call My Agent Bollywood” (2021): Portrayed Jignesh in 6 episodes
• “Mentalhood” (2020): Played Jigar Shah in 1 episode
• “The Great Indian Dysfunctional Family” (2018): Played Shashi in 2 episodes
• “Mantra” (2017): Portrayed Vir Kapoor

Social Media Presence 📱

YouTube: A Platform for Creativity 🎥

Rohan’s YouTube channel is a hub for his creative expression. From interviews and live streams to podcasts and shows from his channel offers a diverse range of content.

• Live Streams and Interviews: Engaging with fans and fellow artists
• Collaborations: Working with other YouTubers and creators

Twitter: Controversies and Engagement 🐦

Rohan’s Twitter presence has been marked by engagement, controversies, and even temporary deactivation. His tweets on various subjects have sparked debates and discussions.

• Notable Tweets: Comments on politics, social issues, and entertainment
• Controversies: Tweets leading to public backlash
• Deactivation (2020): After he came out in support for fellow comic Agrima Joshua, he was hounded by the right-wing crowd to get off the cycle of negativity and take a break.

Instagram: Personal Glimpses and Promotions 📸

Rohan’s Instagram account offers a more personal glimpse into his life. From behind-the-scenes photos to promotional activities, his Instagram is a blend of professional and personal content.

• Behind-the-Scenes Photos: Insights into his work and daily life
• Promotional Activities: Showcasing upcoming shows and projects
• Engagement with Fans: Responding to comments and messages

The Power and Responsibility of Social Media 🧠

Rohan’s social media presence is not just about entertainment; it’s about influence, responsibility, and connection. He has used his platforms to raise awareness, engage with fans, and express his opinions.

• Raising Awareness: Supporting causes and campaigns
• Influence and Responsibility: Understanding the impact of his words
• Connection with Fans: Building a community and engaging with followers

“I wasn’t saying anything wrong about women earlier either. But, over the last 10 years, as the conversation on social media about women has grown, we have all been learning. I am not just talking about comedians. We have all changed. So, I think it has got to do with that than a particular incident that changed the way I write my jokes.” – Rohan Joshi, Source

Controversies and Public Perception 🚨

Rohan Joshi’s public image is a complex tapestry woven with humor, outspokenness, and controversies. Here’s a closer look at some defining moments.

AIB Roast Controversy: When Comedy Crossed Boundaries 🔥

The AIB Roast in 2015, featuring Bollywood stars and hosted by AIB, became a national controversy that transcended the comedy stage. Filled with edgy humor and adult jokes, the event sparked widespread criticism, legal battles, and public outrage. Multiple FIRs were filed, leading to court cases and intense media scrutiny. The backlash led to introspection within AIB and the comedy community, raising questions about creative freedom, responsibility, and cultural sensitivities. The incident became a turning point in Rohan Joshi’s career and left a lasting mark on Indian comedy.

• A Night of Laughter Turned Controversial: The celebrity roast was filled with edgy humor, but it soon faced legal challenges and accusations of vulgarity.
• Facing the Storm: Multiple FIRs, court cases, and public outrage turned the Roast into a legal nightmare.
• Learning and Growing: The incident became a turning point in Rohan’s career, leading to introspection and growth.

“”It is difficult to give up something that you love and spent 10 years building” – Rohan Joshi, Source

Twitter Controversies: The Power and Peril of Social Media 🐦

Rohan’s Twitter journey reflects the challenges of expressing opinions in the public eye.

• A Platform for Expression: Rohan used Twitter to voice his opinions on political and social issues, sparking heated debates.
• Navigating the Backlash: His outspoken nature led to mixed reactions, including temporary deactivation of his account in 2020.
• A Delicate Balance: Rohan’s Twitter controversies highlight the fine line between free expression and responsible communication.

Comments on Raju Srivastava: A Public Misunderstanding 🗣️

Rohan’s comments on Raju Srivastava’s death were perceived as distasteful by some members of the public.

• Expressing an Unpopular Opinion: Rohan’s comments on Raju Srivastava were seen as disrespectful by some, leading to public criticism.
• The Full Quote: “We haven’t lost a thing… Fuck him and good riddance.” – Rohan Joshi

“After a minute of anger I realised today is not about my personal feelings. Sorry if it hurt and thanks for the perspective (sic)” – Rohan Joshi, Source

Personal Life and Relationships 💑

Rohan Joshi’s personal life is a blend of family connections, relationships, and a strong focus on mental well-being. He has been open about certain aspects of his life, including his family’s influence, mental health struggles, and romantic relationships.

Family 👨‍👩‍👧

Family has always played a significant role in Rohan’s life. His father, Dilip Joshi, passed away in 2013, leaving a profound impact on him. His mother, Kumudini Kiran Joshi, worked at the Foundation for Environmental Medicine, and his sister, Renuka Modi, works at VOGUE India.

• Father: Dilip Joshi (passed away in 2013)
• Mother: Kumudini Kiran Joshi
• Sister: Renuka Modi (works at VOGUE India)

Relationships ❤️

Rohan’s relationship status has been a subject of interest. He is in a relationship with Ayesha Parikh; he was also rumored to be dating Shaheen Bhatt in 2016.

• Current Relationship: Ayesha Parikh (Since 2019); Ayesha is the founder of Art and Charlie, an Art Gallery in Mumbai)
• Past Rumors: Shaheen Bhatt (2016); Shaheen is an author and also actress Alia Bhatt’s Sister

Mental Health and Well-being 🧠

Rohan has been vocal about mental health, discussing anxiety, depression, and the importance of self-care.

• Open Discussions: Talks about anxiety and mental well-being
• Advocacy: Encourages conversations about mental health

“It’s got nothing to do with the profession. When I am on stage, I am a professional. I have a great level of privilege and I am lucky to have friends and family to have conversations with. But the harder part is to make the larger society see that it is a real issue. It is not something that should be swept under the carpet. It is one of the ticking time-bombs for our society, moving forward.” – Rohan Joshi, Source

Conclusion: A Comedian, Actor, and Influencer 🌟

Rohan Joshi’s journey is a testament to talent, creativity, and resilience. From his stand-up comedy beginnings to co-founding AIB, acting in movies, and engaging with fans on social media, he has carved a unique path in the entertainment industry.

• A Pioneer in Comedy: Rohan’s work with AIB and his stand-up performances have pushed the boundaries of Indian comedy.
• An Actor with Range: His acting roles reflect versatility and a natural flair for performance.
• A Voice for the Digital Age: His social media presence offers a window into his thoughts, opinions, and personal life.

“(The standup scene) has changed tremendously, just in terms of the sheer number. You have people of all ages from all over the country. You have different voices in terms of ethnicity, gender, life experiences. I would call this stage of [Indian stand-up comedy] as the end of the beginning. We are going to move to the next stage where we will see more diverse narratives.” – Rohan Joshi, Source

Rohan Joshi’s story is one of innovation, courage, and connection. His contributions to comedy, acting, and digital media continue to resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment landscape.