"10 Best Indian-Origin Comedians of the Last Decade" |
"10 Indian Comedians Who Found Success in the U.S." |
"The show was stolen by an Indian-Jewish comedian" |
"Samson Koletkar is a find" |
About
Samson Koletkar, a.k.a. Mahatma Moses, is the world's only Indian Jewish Stand-Up Comedian! Growing up in Mumbai, he spent most of his childhood years burning the midnight candles for earning a Masters Degree in Computer Software, thereby fulfilling his Indian-Jewish parents' dreams. He then moved half-way across the world to the technology headquarters and comedy hotbed - San Francisco.
Samson's comedy is a unique blend of his Indian background, Jewish roots, and American life. His clean comedy has been described as cerebral, witty, & refreshing, and he has entertained audiences across USA, Canada, & India. He has been featured on NPR, NBC, CBS, NDTV, The Times of India, Indian Express, Ha'aretz, Asian Jewish Life, and more.
In his debut year, Samson Koletkar was a finalist in the Rooster T Feather's Amateur comedy Competition. He won the International Society of Humor Studies Comedy Competition and the Asian American Theater Company Comedy Competition. He was a semi-finalist in the 36th Annual Seattle International Comedy Competition, a quarter-finalist in the 39th Annual San Francisco Comedy Competition, and was invited to participate in the 2010 Great Canadian Laugh Off.
In his quest of quality stage time in front of an attentive audience that allows comedians to hone their craft, Samson founded COMEDY OAKLAND in May 2009. With 5 shows every week, Comedy Oakland presents 250+ shows featuring 400+ comedians entertaining 10,000+ audiences every year. The show has won "Best Comedy Night" (2016-2023) in East Bay Express Reader's Poll. Every week, Samson & his team curates a lineup of up-and-coming and seasoned, local and visiting comedians, providing audiences with a hilarious night of entertainment. SF Chronicle published a cover article on him - India-born stand-up builds comedy utopia in Oakland!
He is also the co-founder and visionary behind DESI COMEDY FEST, the biggest South Asian Comedy Festival in America. The San Francisco based Fest has showcased 100+ comedians from 6 continents and has entertained 12,000+ audiences. The Fest has also run a 20-show tour of India, and satellite events in Toronto, Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, Seattle & New Jersey.
Samson is the headliner on Mahatma Moses Comedy Tour and You're Funny But You Don't Look Jewish Tour. He has also been a featured performer on other comedy tours, including the Funatical Comedy Tour, Make Chai Not War, Pundits with Punchlines, and Sultans of Satire.
"Who enjoys your comedy most?" he was asked in an interview, expecting an answer like Indians or Jews or 1st generation immigrants. His reply left the interviewer amused, "those who prefer caffeine over alcohol."
Samson's comedy is a unique blend of his Indian background, Jewish roots, and American life. His clean comedy has been described as cerebral, witty, & refreshing, and he has entertained audiences across USA, Canada, & India. He has been featured on NPR, NBC, CBS, NDTV, The Times of India, Indian Express, Ha'aretz, Asian Jewish Life, and more.
In his debut year, Samson Koletkar was a finalist in the Rooster T Feather's Amateur comedy Competition. He won the International Society of Humor Studies Comedy Competition and the Asian American Theater Company Comedy Competition. He was a semi-finalist in the 36th Annual Seattle International Comedy Competition, a quarter-finalist in the 39th Annual San Francisco Comedy Competition, and was invited to participate in the 2010 Great Canadian Laugh Off.
In his quest of quality stage time in front of an attentive audience that allows comedians to hone their craft, Samson founded COMEDY OAKLAND in May 2009. With 5 shows every week, Comedy Oakland presents 250+ shows featuring 400+ comedians entertaining 10,000+ audiences every year. The show has won "Best Comedy Night" (2016-2023) in East Bay Express Reader's Poll. Every week, Samson & his team curates a lineup of up-and-coming and seasoned, local and visiting comedians, providing audiences with a hilarious night of entertainment. SF Chronicle published a cover article on him - India-born stand-up builds comedy utopia in Oakland!
He is also the co-founder and visionary behind DESI COMEDY FEST, the biggest South Asian Comedy Festival in America. The San Francisco based Fest has showcased 100+ comedians from 6 continents and has entertained 12,000+ audiences. The Fest has also run a 20-show tour of India, and satellite events in Toronto, Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, Seattle & New Jersey.
Samson is the headliner on Mahatma Moses Comedy Tour and You're Funny But You Don't Look Jewish Tour. He has also been a featured performer on other comedy tours, including the Funatical Comedy Tour, Make Chai Not War, Pundits with Punchlines, and Sultans of Satire.
"Who enjoys your comedy most?" he was asked in an interview, expecting an answer like Indians or Jews or 1st generation immigrants. His reply left the interviewer amused, "those who prefer caffeine over alcohol."
Short Bio
Samson's comedy is a unique blend of his Indian background, Jewish roots, and American life. His clean comedy has been described as cerebral, witty, & refreshing, and is most enjoyed by those who prefer caffeine over alcohol. He has entertained audiences across USA, Canada, and India, & he has been featured on NPR, NBC, CBS, NDTV, The Times of India, Indian Express, Ha'aretz, Asian Jewish Life, and more.
PRESS
India-born stand-up builds comedy utopia in Oakland
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SF Comic Courts Controversial Topics
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Indian Jewish stand-up a rare breed
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Make ’Em Laugh - The best things in life are funny at Comedy Oakland
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Shalom Namaste, says Mahatma Moses
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Five Questions for Samson Koletkar
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Indian Seinfeld bringing his shtick to Palo Alto
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Mahatma Moses Comedy Tour Heads to Atlanta
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Comedy For People Who Prefer Caffeine Over Alcohol |
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