Hari Kondabolu

Hari Kondabolu is a comedian, writer, and podcaster known for his sharp political satire and social commentary, often tackling topics like race, identity, and inequality. Born in Queens, New York, to Indian immigrant parents, Kondabolu’s unique perspective on being a South Asian-American has been a central theme in his work.

Kondabolu gained widespread attention for his stand-up comedy, appearing on popular shows such as “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Conan,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” His 2014 comedy album “Waiting for 2042” received critical praise for its insightful and provocative takes on social justice and politics.

In 2017, Kondabolu released the documentary “The Problem with Apu,” in which he explored the problematic portrayal of South Asians in the character of Apu from “The Simpsons.” The documentary sparked a national conversation on race and representation in the media.

Hari Kondabolu is also known for his work in podcasts. He co-hosts the podcast “Politically Re-Active” with comedian W. Kamau Bell, where the duo breaks down political issues with humor and depth. He also hosted the podcast “The Untitled Kondabolu Brothers' Podcast” alongside his brother Ashok Kondabolu, delving into a variety of topics with humor and personal anecdotes.

A graduate of Bowdoin College with a B.A. in Comparative Politics, Kondabolu also holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights from the London School of Economics. His academic background informs his comedy, providing a unique blend of intellectual rigor and humor. Over the years, he has performed stand-up worldwide, earning a reputation as one of the most thought-provoking comedians of his generation.