OML Takes Indian Comedy Global: A Look at Their 2024 International Touring Schedule

In a bid to expand its global footprint, Only Much Louder (OML) has announced an ambitious international touring schedule for 2024. With a roster of more than 93 Indian comedians, creators, writers, actors, and artists, OML is set to cover more than 500 international shows across 60 cities, solidifying its position as a leader in the global touring circuit.

Since its inception in 2002, Only Much Louder has been transforming the Indian live-touring ecosystem. The company has collaborated with an extensive network of over 1,800 creators spanning 24 countries, bringing Indian talent to international audiences. OML’s commitment to spotlighting diverse talent on international platforms has garnered overwhelming support and acclaim.

Gunjan Arya, CEO of Only Much Louder, expressed gratitude for the response received, stating, “We have been very lucky to be repping hardworking and ambitious talent, which has allowed us to take risks and scale up while enabling us to have front-row seats in expanding the global footprint of the Indian comedy ecosystem.” Arya highlighted OML’s partnership with promoters across 60+ cities and programming over 500 shows in 2024 alone, underscoring the company’s dedication to showcasing Indian talent globally.

The 2024 international schedule features more than 20 OML-repped Indian comedians embarking on tours across various continents. After a successful stint at the Royal Albert Hall, Zakir Khan is set to perform in North America with a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in March. Abhishek Kumar and Nirmal Pillai will take their crowd work show to North America in August and September. Prashasti Singh will tour Europe, performing in major cities like Munich, Amsterdam, London, and Paris.

Other Indian comedians such as Anirban Dasgupta and Urooj Ashfaq, fresh from their runs at London’s Soho Theatre, will perform at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Azeem Banatwalla and Rahul Subramanian will also be part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, with Subramanian continuing his tour to the Middle East and Australia. Biswa Kalyan Rath will join him in Australia for a series of shows.

Reflecting on her upcoming European tour, comedian Prashasti Singh shared her excitement, saying, “I have always wanted to perform to a wider audience across the world. The idea of doing it is both exciting and nerve-wracking! OML has helped me plan and execute live shows outside India, and now I’m thrilled to take my show on the road to Europe for the first time.”

OML has collaborated with a diverse portfolio of Indian and international promoters for its 2024 touring schedule. The company has also partnered with the world’s three biggest comedy festivals – the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – to showcase its roster’s talent on a global stage.

Zakir Khan reflected on OML’s achievements, stating, “What we have achieved is bigger than what I dreamed. I don’t think I ever thought we’d be able to achieve even 10% of what all we have done just this year, and the humbling part is abhi toh yeh sirf shuruaat hai (this is just the beginning).”

Over the years, OML has expanded its international market share, featuring and headlining Indian comedians in over 60 cities across the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Sweden, Scotland, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Kenya, Spain, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and more. The company has scaled up its presence from local comedy clubs to globally renowned venues such as Madison Square Garden, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House.

Rishabh Nahar, Senior Vice President of Artist Management at OML, commented on the company’s growth: “With over 500 shows across 60 cities, we are not just pushing boundaries but also forging new avenues for Indian talent to shine on a global stage.” He emphasized OML’s commitment to inclusivity, noting that their efforts have opened up international opportunities for the Indian comedy industry.

In 2018, Only Much Louder facilitated 13 international shows, contributing to the overall Indian comedy industry’s total of 35-38 international shows. The company has been pivotal in developing and growing international comedy markets, bringing Indian talent to new audiences worldwide.