Comedian Sody Kahlon first came to prominence as co-founder of The Funjabis, making their name in west London by selling out performances at Watermans theatre.

The group was behind hit comedy plays such as 'The Funjabi Show', 'This Is Your Life, Mr Funjab' and 'Don’t Worry Be Funjabi' at venues around the UK.

Lately he has been interviewed on terrestial TV, written and presented documentaries for BBC Radio 4, and taken a stab at developing more work for television.

In between, his one-man play 'Sikhs in the City' toured internationally to almost 6,000 fans, featured on BBC2, Radio4, BBC World Service and is being released on DVD; he co-wrote the short film 'We Are One' with Sarbjit Bakshi, which formed part of a Channel 4 film scheme; and has done various acting stints on BBC and ITV.


How did you start out?
When I co-formed the Funjabis back in 1997, the strategy was to have fun on stage and make sure the audiences had fun with us. Naturally there were also wider objectives which encouraged Asians to experience live British Asian comedy in theatre and allowed us to have a platform to experiment with new ideas.

Ultimately, our strategy differed on how we all wanted to benefit personally from the Funjabi experience. Being the writer of the group I wanted to develop more as a comic writer, the others wanted to enhance their stand-up, acting and compering skills.

Like most boy bands, we have now reached a stage in our Funjabi lives where I have to go my separate way and pursue my other projects whilst they pursue their own dreams.


So have you left the Funjabis behind and definitely gone solo?
Alas there are not enough hours in the day for me to front The Funjabis as well as my own projects so one has to give. I have asked the Funjabis to continue without me for as long as they want and occasionally I will join them to help out and also for worthy causes. So hopefully they will not wither without me.


Where do you see yourself heading now?
After the unexpected success of 'Sikhs in the City' I have been inspired to perform more work that not only expresses myself creatively as a British Asian but also as a British Sikh. I strongly believe that more innovative and imaginative ways are needed to deliver the Sikh message to both Sikh and non-Sikh audiences. Besides it is hugely satisfying and more worthwhile than simply cracking gags as a stand-up.

When I read that 2004 was the 400th anniversary of the Sikh Holy Scriptures, I knew it was the perfect time to launch a show with a Sikh story. Fortunately the audiences supported me and I am still here to tell the story.


What are you working on right now and what is in the pipeline?
I’ve recently finished some more Pause for Thoughts for BBC Radio2 and I’m in discussions with Radio2 and Radio 4 on more writing commissions that explore life as a Sikh in Britain.

There’s a theatre project brewing and a few TV appearances also lined up. So be warned you’ll still see my face popping up when you least expect it. Get yourself on the mailing list and stay connected.


Soul Sikher open on Thursday at Watermans.
29th September - 2nd October
6th October - 9th October

We have 2 pairs of tickets to give away for the press night on 29th Sept. The first two email requests on Tuesday 27th morning (only) will get them.

Sody's website - www.sody.co.uk