Meet Mansi Mehra AKA Machchar, an Indian stand-up comedian

Mansi Mehra is an Indian stand-up comedian based out of California, she has been performing with several well known stand-up comedians from US and India. She is also film maker who’s movie “Shoot Her – Life of an actor” was selected by several film festivals across the U.S. Recently she won the title of Miss India USA National 2019 at the Asia National Pageant and Miss Exuberant Spirit 2019. She has been involved with several non-profit organizations like Child Rights & You (CRY) America, VIBHA Los Angeles, Indian Association of Los Angeles (IALA), Soroptomist International Los Angeles, and many more.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I love exploring new avenues. That’s how standup comedy to learning to ramp walk in the pageant to scuba diving. It’s an on-going thing. Also, I love writing which could vary from jokes to poems in English, Hindi, and Urdu.

How would someone get your special attention?

I am easily swayed by good dance moves, especially Bollywood! And you know he got my attention because then the next thing is that I am dancing with him.

Would you date a fan?

Why wouldn’t I? For Sure!

What would you change your name to?

I just love my name, so I wouldn’t do that. However, a lot of people call me “Machchar” which means mosquito in Hindi.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

I really hate flaky people.

What’s your annoying habit?

I scratch my head while thinking too deep and am so embarrassed to get caught red-handed.

Do you get used to being a celebrity?

No, never. I either get surprised, get weirded out when random people recognize me from some show, and ask for a picture. Like you want a picture with me?

Who is your inspiration?

There are a couple of names from Michelle Obama, Priyanka Chopra, Jen Sincero to Marilyn Monroe.

Where would you like to visit?

I really want to go backpacking to Europe. Unconventional traveling gives me an adrenaline rush.

If you weren’t famous, what would you be up to right now?

I would still be an engineer because innovation with technology excites me.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?

I have been juggling been three books – “You Are a Badass”, “Blink” and “Becoming by Michelle Obama”.

One of my favorites: “You are perfect. To think anything less is as pointless as a river thinking that it’s got too many curves or that it moves too slowly or that its rapids are too rapid. Says who? You’re on a journey with no defined beginning, middle, or end. There are no wrong twists and turns. There is just being. And your job is to be as you as you can be. This is why you’re here. To shy away from who you truly are would leave the world you-less. You are the only you there is and ever will be. I repeat, you are the only you there is and ever will be. Do not deny the world its one and only chance to bask in your brilliance.”

What would you like to remember about you?

I want to be remembered as an explorer, an achiever, a versatile person who cannot be put in a box!

What is one message you would give to your audience?

You have one life, so make the best of it, learn new skills, meet new people (maybe outside of your culture), explore new places, and try new cuisines. I’ve realized that every time I get introduced to a new thing, it makes me feel that there is so much more in the world to see & absorb.

What is the first thing you notice about a person?

Eyes because hips may lie but eyes won’t!

What are some challenges you think the next generation will face?

Building a real human connection. I feel social media and technology have made our generation (and same for the next generation) more familiar with gadgets, mobile, and computer than a human touch, a smile or just a simple human connection.

What three habits will improve your life?

I want to get better at eating healthier, sleeping more hours than what I do today, and drink less coke.

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

I am grateful for getting a chance to come to the other side of the world, meeting new people who have helped me grow including the Miss India USA National pageant which gave me an opportunity to meet new people and organizations who intend to make a difference in the world.