Former student gains confidence through standup comedy

In  high school, Class of 2014 alumnus Sanj Nalwa could be seen quietly walking around campus. Not the most vocal of his class, Nalwa was smart and good-natured but not the type to control the limelight.

Now a junior studying Economics and English at the University of California, Berkeley, Nalwa has been doing standup comedy in Bay Area clubs.

Like a caterpillar morphing into a vibrant butterfly, Nalwa has changed drastically after leaving high school. In the last three years, he has taken a greater interest in music and performing.

A singer growing up, he originally started doing standup as a way of increasing his stage presence. He didn’t know how much he would like it.

Nalwa said that his performances in various locations, including comedy clubs and bars, in Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose, have allowed him to gain exposure to all types of audiences and recognize what people are looking for. His experiences in comedy include performing in front of numerous packed crowds with excited listeners, as well as jeering audiences. He has even been paid for performing at several shows.

Although Nalwa usually presents at open-mic events where entry is free, the lack of monetary reward doesn’t discourage him from performing. His jokes vary from controversial topics about sexual orientation or politics to light-hearted quips on society.

For booked events, Nalwa, along with his friend Ken Suzuki, a fellow student comedian, have been running a production studio called “Kensanj Productions.” Together, they have been able to coordinate six successful shows since June.

During one of these shows, Nalwa recalled a moment when a member from the audience charged at him after making a joke about pedophiles being primarily white men. Over time, Nalwa has learned that the best ways to succeed as a comic is to learn from to audience reaction and implement those changes in future shows.

“Standup comedy entails writing a lot of jokes off stage, and then testing them onstage to see what works, what doesn't, what might and what has no chance,” Nalwa said. “I prepare by just making sure I know the premises and punchlines, and then just get up on stage. I don't really do long bits or stories. I like to set up and punch.”

Although being heckled on stage by offended audience members for his jokes is not his goal, Nalwa has progressed to the point where he now hosts packed crowds consistently. He hopes that he can continue his early success in the future as a comedian, and although he sees it as only a hobby, Nalwa said that he will continue comedy until it stops being fun.

“It's definitely given me more confidence in all aspects of my life; it really frees you from all inhibition,” Nalwa said. “I think once you've embarrassed yourself in front of a roomful of strangers, nothing much really frightens you anymore.”