Shonali Bhowmik on growing up Indian in Nashville, leaving Sony and touring with David Cross.
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Description
The word multi-tasked doesn't begin to describe Shonali Bhowmik, who somehow juggles, law, music, and comedy. It would've been harder to grow up tone deaf in Nashville than Indian-American, and Shonali describes how progressive her immigrant parents were when raising Shonali and her sister Ruchi, who went on to serve as former Deputy Assistant to President Barack Obama. Shonali was no slouch either. She juggled law school while touring with her band ULTRABABYFAT. After opening for comedian David Cross, Sony came knocking with a record deal. She hadn't stopped practicing law, yet somehow added comedy to the mix. Shonali teamed up with Heather Lawless (Bob's Burgers), Chelsea Peretti (Brooklyn 911), and Andrea Rosen (Episodes, Stella) to create Variety SHAC. It was the first time female stand-ups came together to produce videos, host live shows at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and promote one another's work. In doing so, the foursome transformed the indie comedy scene. Today, Shonali also perform with The New Yorker illustrator Marcellus Hall, as part of Monkeys and Tigers, and co-host the podcast We Don't Even Know. For more great interviews check out employeeofthemonthshow.com or follow @CatieLazarus. It won't be weird.
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