Last year I had the privilege of bringing my standup show Made in Bangladesh to the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It’s been an incredible journey that allowed me to share my personal stories, explore cultural differences, and connect with audiences from around the globe through humor.
From Bangladesh to the Comedy Stage
I was born in a small village in Bangladesh and later moved to Canada to pursue a career in IT, but comedy eventually became my true passion. Over the years, I’ve performed in New York City, making regular appearances at top clubs like Broadway Comedy Club and Greenwich Village Comedy Club(Ali Mehedi)(British Comedy Guide). The immigrant experience, particularly navigating cultural contrasts between Bangladesh and the West, has always been at the heart of my comedy.
Made in Bangladesh is my way of reflecting on what it’s like to juggle these two worlds—learning the quirks of Western life while staying true to my Bangladeshi roots. I talk about everything from my childhood in Bangladesh to the challenges of adjusting to life in New York and Canada. These themes resonate with audiences because, while the immigrant experience is unique, the stories of finding oneself and adapting to change are universal(Ali Mehedi).
Why Made in Bangladesh?
When I began doing standup, I noticed that there weren’t many South Asian comedians sharing our stories on major platforms. I created Made in Bangladesh to shine a light on our experiences, filled with humor, cultural anecdotes, and a lot of heart. I wanted to show people that, while our lives are different in some ways, humor is something that brings us all together(Ali Mehedi)(Chortle).
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, known for being a melting pot of global talent, was the perfect place to debut this show. It allowed me to present a fresh, dynamic perspective on the immigrant experience to a wide and diverse audience(Free Fringe Shows)(Chortle).
Performing at Edinburgh Fringe: An Amazing Experience
Last year, despite some logistical challenges (including a less-than-ideal 10:30 a.m. slot), all five of my Made in Bangladesh shows at the Fringe sold out. It was an incredible experience, and the support from the audience—particularly South Asians who resonated with my stories—was overwhelming. I also met incredible comedians from around the world and had the opportunity to perform at the famous Top Secret Comedy Club in London(British Comedy Guide).
Next year, 2025, I’m planning to do 30 shows at the Fringe, and I’m also considering bringing Made in Bangladesh to the Melbourne Comedy Festival next year(Ali Mehedi).
Why You Should See Made in Bangladesh?
Whether you come from a South Asian background or not, there’s something for everyone in this show. It’s not just about immigration or culture—it’s about the shared human experience of finding one’s identity in the world. I take audiences on a journey through the awkward, the funny, and the heartfelt moments of my life, with a lot of laughter along the way(Free Fringe Shows).
If you’re at the Edinburgh Fringe, don’t miss Made in Bangladesh. Whether you buy a ticket or just show up for a Pay What You Can entry, I promise you’ll leave with a smile, a few new perspectives, and plenty of laughs(Free Fringe Shows)(Chortle).
Final Thoughts
Made in Bangladesh is more than a standup show for me—it’s a celebration of life’s complexities and the bridges we can build through humor. I’m incredibly excited to continue performing this show, and I hope to share more laughs with all of you, whether in Edinburgh, Melbourne, or anywhere else.
If you’re ready to laugh and explore the immigrant experience through comedy, come check out Made in Bangladesh. You won’t regret it!
For more details, you can visit Ali Mehedi’s website(Ali Mehedi).