Full Article in Chinese

• Stand-Up Comedian & Bilingual Emcee
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Media

Vivek Mahbubani, a Cantonese-speaking Indian stand-up comedian and bilingual emcee, was born and raised in Hong Kong. He discovered his talent for telling jokes while studying Creative Media at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and has since turned his passion into a successful career, bringing laughter to audiences in Hong Kong and beyond.

Looking back, Vivek recalls that his parents did not speak Cantonese, but they sent him to local schools to immerse him in the Cantonese-only environment, allowing him to make rapid progress in learning Chinese. During his university years at CityUHK, Vivek had a rich experience and expanded his circle of friends. Being accepted into the Creative Media programme at CityUHK, which emphasised creativity and fostered a close relationship between teachers and students, was a turning point for him. In class, teachers encouraged students to express their opinions, and his proficiency in English gave him many opportunities to present in groups. Outside of class, classmates and teachers often gathered to relax and chat, creating a barrier-free environment for sharing their views.

It was during his time at CityUHK that Vivek discovered his talent for making people laugh. He found inspiration through observing interesting incidents that happened at school, and luckily, he had the opportunity to perform during the university's Band Show, which further fueled his interest in performing and sharing laughter.

His first adversity came shortly after graduating from university when he was diagnosed with lymphoma and had to undergo chemotherapy. During his battle with cancer, he reflected on his dreams and read many inspiring books. After recovering, he saw a stand-up comedy competition and decided to give it a try. He stood out and won the title of "Hong Kong Funniest Person of the Year," launching his career as a full-time stand-up comedian. Vivek’s style of stand-up comedy is different from the traditional Hong Kong-style comedy that locals are familiar with. He prefers small venues that enhance interaction between performers and the audience. Initially, some local audiences questioned his style, which lacked punchlines or themes. However, Vivek’s goal is to provide a pleasant evening for the audience and make them laugh.

Despite his busy schedule preparing for performances, Vivek remains enthusiastic about participating in charity events. He has performed stand-up comedy in hospitals for terminally ill patients and their families, witnessing the power of laughter to temporarily alleviate their pain. In addition to commercial shows, he accepts invitations from social service organisations to bring laughter to those in need.

Vivek’s life has been deeply inspired by the people and events around him. His mother, an English teacher, and his teachers and classmates in the Creative Media program have provided constant encouragement and support. He feels a responsibility to give back to society and is motivated by awards such as "Hong Kong Spirit Ambassador" and "Second SCM Distinguished Alumni Award." Through his performances, Vivek aims to spread positive energy and bring happiness to his audience members. Embarking on the path of stand-up comedy has allowed Vivek to bring happiness and transform it into life energy for his audience members, making each performance more meaningful.

（Published at 24 October 2024）