Harsh Gujral, a name that resonates with humor and relatable storytelling, has carved a niche for himself in the Indian comedy scene. Known for his observational humor and quick-witted crowd work, Harsh has become a household name, entertaining millions with his stand-up performances and YouTube videos. This article delves into the life, career, and achievements of Harsh Gujral, tracing his journey from an engineer to a celebrated comedian.
Early Life and Education
Harsh Gujral was born on September 17, 1993, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. He hails from a Punjabi family, with his father, B.L. Gujral, being a lawyer and his mother, Savita Gujral, a homemaker. Harsh is the youngest of four siblings, with three elder sisters named Pooja, Aarti, and Deepti.
Harsh completed his schooling at St. Joseph’s Senior Secondary School in Kanpur. He later pursued a degree in engineering from Inderprastha Engineering College in Uttar Pradesh, graduating with a B.Tech degree.
Career Beginnings
After completing his engineering, Harsh started his career as a database engineer in 2012 with the company RateGain in Noida, earning a monthly salary of Rs 13,000. He later worked with several multinational companies, including HCL, IBM, and TCS.
Despite his corporate job, Harsh had a passion for comedy. He began performing in open mic shows and comedy gigs, gradually developing his skills and gaining confidence on stage. His interest in comedy deepened when he was sent to London for a year by his company, where he performed in various comedy shows.
Transition to Full-Time Comedy
Upon returning to India, Harsh hosted his company’s fest, which further fueled his passion for crowd work comedy. He eventually quit his job to pursue a full-time career as a stand-up comedian. He started performing at the Canvas Laugh Club and other comedy clubs, quickly gaining popularity with his unique style and relatable humor.
YouTube Success
In 2019, Harsh launched his self-titled YouTube channel, where he began posting comedy videos. His first video, “Indian Reality Shows,” became a massive hit, amassing over 1 million views within four days of its release12. Some of his other popular videos include “Shaadi Ki Rasmein,” “Kanpur & River Ganga,” and “Sasta Vicky Kaushal,” which have garnered millions of views.
Harsh’s collaboration with fellow comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi for the video “Harsh & Bassi Unleashed” in 2021 was another significant milestone, garnering around 28 million views on YouTube.
Television Appearances
Harsh made his television debut in February 2022 with the comedy show “Good Night India” on Sony SAB. He also appeared on “The Kapil Sharma Show” in March 2023, further cementing his status as a prominent comedian.
Controversies
In January 2023, Harsh faced criticism for a video he uploaded on Instagram, where he was seen talking rudely to a woman during one of his shows. The video sparked outrage among netizens, who criticized his behavior as disrespectful and derogatory.
Personal Life
As of 2024, Harsh Gujral is unmarried and does not have any children. He is known by several nicknames, including “Sasta Vicky Kaushal,” due to his resemblance to the Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal.
Achievements and Recognition
Harsh Gujral has become one of India’s most subscribed stand-up comedians, with over 2.4 million subscribers on YouTube. His comedy show “Jo Bolta Hai, Wohi Hota Hai” has been performed in various cities in India and abroad, contributing to his widespread popularity.
Conclusion
Harsh Gujral’s journey from an engineer to a successful stand-up comedian and YouTuber is a testament to his talent, hard work, and passion for comedy. With his relatable humor and engaging performances, he continues to entertain and inspire audiences across the globe. As he continues to evolve in his career, Harsh Gujral remains a prominent figure in the Indian comedy scene, leaving a lasting impact on his fans and the industry alike.
