Harpreet Sehmbi is a Toronto-based stand-up comedian, improviser, writer and actor who regularly performs all over Canada and the States. She has headlined the Lady Laughs Festival in Wisconsin, was featured in the North Carolina Comedy Festival, the 6th Borough Comedy Festival in New Jersey, and is preparing for an upcoming spot a the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival in August.

Apart from stand-up, she also co-produces and hosts The Darjeelings of Comedy, which showcases South Asian-identifying females in Toronto, and is the creator of a web series called INDIE-pendent. Aaaaaaand she will be one of the headliner’s at this year’s Camp Wavelength. (YAS. We love the hustle!!!)

We caught up with Harpreet this week to learn some little-known facts about her.

SDTC: What’s at the top of your bucket list?

HP: Visiting South America, and confidently telling people where left is without making an “L” shape with my hand. 

What’s your go-to song for getting stuff done?

“P.O.W.A” by M.I.A. 

What advice would you give to your fourteen-year-old self?

Stop trying to get everyone to like you. Also, easy with the silver eyeshadow. 

Who has made a big impact in your life recently, and how?

A good friend of mine went through risky surgery last year, and after successfully making it through, his new view on life really inspired me. He’s taught me not to overthink things and to be more open to new opportunities. Also, he hands me my ass when I need it–everyone needs a friend like that!

What word/phrase should we be saying more often?

Specifically for women: “No.” (Sometimes we have a hard time saying that. Well, I do, at least.)

Who/what are you sick of hearing about?

I’ll tell you what I want to hear more of instead: “[Insert famous casting director’s name] has cast [POC’s name] as the lead in their upcoming movie/TV show.” 

What does your ideal Saturday look like?

I’m a brunch bitch, so as long as it starts with brunch, it’ll be a great day!

What’s the best part of being your current age?

Taking naps, and not pretending that even the idea of going to Wonderland is exhausting. 

Fave rainy day comfort food?

Pho!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Ironically, a comedian. But only because I knew if I said that as a joke, I could make my older cousins laugh when they asked me what I wanted to be when I was older. 

What is one little-known fact about you?

I have poor vision. Scratch that–my vision is AWFUL without my glasses or contact lenses. Nothing is clear past 5 cm from my face. 

What is your idea of happiness?

Coffee, chocolate, my bed and an episode of Bob’s Burgers on a cold and windy night.