Zarna Garg Shares How She Launched a Second Act in Life Through Comedy

Comedian Zarna Garg recently discussed her unexpected rise in stand-up and the role her daughter Zoya Garg played in kick-starting this new chapter of her life. The conversation took place during The Washington Post’s Global Women’s Summit, where host Elahe Izadi spoke with the mother-daughter duo in front of a live audience.

Zarna’s entrepreneurial streak has always been visible, from running a tomato sauce company to trying her hand at matchmaking services. Despite this, she initially seemed unsure about stepping into the world of comedy.

Her entry into stand-up happened when Zoya brought her to an open-mic event and introduced her to the stage. Zarna was skeptical at first, but this single moment would set off a career change she hadn’t expected.

Fast-forward six years, and Zarna now has streaming comedy specials, a best-selling book, and millions of followers on social media. Her career has expanded rapidly, placing her among a growing wave of creators reshaping the comedy landscape online.

During the summit, the three discussed how Zarna discovered comedy later in life and why she views it as her “second act.” She described the early days of figuring out her comedic voice while navigating a field that often didn’t reflect women or immigrants like her.
You can explore her broader body of work on her official website:
Zarna Garg – Official Website.

The discussion also focused on how platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have changed what it means to break into comedy. Zarna noted that social media has allowed comedians to bypass traditional gatekeepers, giving them direct access to audiences who appreciate new and diverse perspectives.

Zoya shared what it was like to be part of her mother’s journey from day one. She explained how seeing her mother’s natural humor at home made her believe Zarna belonged on stage long before Zarna believed it herself.

Zarna emphasized how grateful she feels for discovering a new passion at a stage in life when many people think reinvention is out of reach. She pointed out that starting something new later in life is not only possible but can lead to fulfilling and unexpected opportunities.

She also spoke about the emotional shift that came with putting herself in the public eye. Zarna explained that comedy gave her a way to express stories rooted in her culture, family, and identity in a way she once didn’t think audiences would connect with.

The conversation touched on how her success resonates with women who have spent years prioritizing family or other responsibilities. Zarna’s story highlights that taking risks, even after long pauses in one’s career, can lead to entirely new paths.

Zoya mentioned how meaningful it has been to witness her mother’s transformation from someone hesitant to try comedy to someone fully embraced by audiences around the world. Their shared experience reflects how family support can profoundly influence personal growth.

The session closed by encouraging women to consider what their own second act might look like. The message was clear: it’s never too late to try something new, and Zarna’s journey stands as real proof of that.

For more about The Washington Post’s Global Women’s Summit, you can visit the Washington Post Live page.