Body Is Bound to Take a Hit’: Zakir Khan on Why He’s Stepping Away From Comedy
Popular stand-up comedian Zakir Khan has shared the real reason behind his decision to step away from comedy for the next few years. In a recent interview, Zakir revealed that ongoing health concerns, including certain genetic illnesses in his family, have forced him to slow down and focus on recovery.
Speaking to Gulf News, Zakir admitted that years of pushing himself without adequate rest have taken a toll on his body. Reflecting on his lifestyle, he said that constantly travelling, sleeping for barely two hours, and immediately meeting people upon landing in a new city had caused serious strain. According to him, neglecting health for nearly a decade was bound to have consequences.
Zakir also shared that some of the health issues he is dealing with are hereditary and tend to appear after a certain age. Alongside this, he acknowledged personal responsibility for worsening his condition through years of overwork. “When you keep your foot on the accelerator for ten straight years, the body is bound to take a hit,” he said, explaining that he initially believed he could balance work and health simultaneously.
The comedian added that being the first in his family to achieve success on such a large scale brought with it a deep sense of responsibility. That pressure pushed him to prioritise work above everything else, including his own well-being. However, during a tour in the US last year, Zakir realised that continuing at the same pace was no longer possible, prompting him to make the difficult decision to take a break.
Recently, a clip from Zakir’s show in Hyderabad went viral, where he mentioned staying away from stand-up until around 2030. Clarifying the statement, Zakir explained that the timeline was specific to Hyderabad, as returning to certain cities would take time once he restarts work after his break.
Zakir officially announced his extended hiatus during a live show in Hyderabad, part of his ongoing Papa Yaar tour. Addressing the audience, he said the break could last anywhere between three to five years, possibly until 2028, 2029, or even 2030, after completing his current commitments.
Emphasising gratitude towards his fans, Zakir said the break is essential to take care of his health and attend to personal matters. He later shared on Instagram that all his shows until June 20 would be treated as a celebration, marking a meaningful pause in his journey as a comedian.
Speaking to Gulf News, Zakir admitted that years of pushing himself without adequate rest have taken a toll on his body. Reflecting on his lifestyle, he said that constantly travelling, sleeping for barely two hours, and immediately meeting people upon landing in a new city had caused serious strain. According to him, neglecting health for nearly a decade was bound to have consequences.
Zakir also shared that some of the health issues he is dealing with are hereditary and tend to appear after a certain age. Alongside this, he acknowledged personal responsibility for worsening his condition through years of overwork. “When you keep your foot on the accelerator for ten straight years, the body is bound to take a hit,” he said, explaining that he initially believed he could balance work and health simultaneously.
The comedian added that being the first in his family to achieve success on such a large scale brought with it a deep sense of responsibility. That pressure pushed him to prioritise work above everything else, including his own well-being. However, during a tour in the US last year, Zakir realised that continuing at the same pace was no longer possible, prompting him to make the difficult decision to take a break.
Recently, a clip from Zakir’s show in Hyderabad went viral, where he mentioned staying away from stand-up until around 2030. Clarifying the statement, Zakir explained that the timeline was specific to Hyderabad, as returning to certain cities would take time once he restarts work after his break.
Zakir officially announced his extended hiatus during a live show in Hyderabad, part of his ongoing Papa Yaar tour. Addressing the audience, he said the break could last anywhere between three to five years, possibly until 2028, 2029, or even 2030, after completing his current commitments.
Emphasising gratitude towards his fans, Zakir said the break is essential to take care of his health and attend to personal matters. He later shared on Instagram that all his shows until June 20 would be treated as a celebration, marking a meaningful pause in his journey as a comedian.
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