Wed Jul 30 11:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:

**Summary:**

Indian comedian Shamik Chakrabarti, who started his comedy journey at an open mic in Bengaluru after returning from the US as an engineer, is set to debut his stand-up comedy special, “Despite Appearances,” at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He gained recognition after participating in Comicstaan. Chakrabarti describes himself as a joke writer, focusing on relatable anecdotes delivered with a laid-back style. He draws inspiration from comedians like Russel Peters, Conan O’Brien, Demetri Martin and Brian Regan. He notes the Edinburgh Fringe as a significant experience, where he will perform for almost a month and network with international comedians. Prior to this, he performed at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and the Soho Theatre in London. He is also eager to see fellow Indian comedians Urooj Ashfaq and Prashasti Singh at the Fringe. Chakrabarti plans to tour India with “Despite Appearances” following the festival and also work on sketch comedy and podcasts.

**News Article:**

**Indian Comedian Shamik Chakrabarti Takes “Despite Appearances” to Edinburgh Fringe**

**Mumbai, July 30, 2025** – Indian comedian Shamik Chakrabarti is set to make his mark on the international stage with his stand-up comedy special, “Despite Appearances,” debuting at the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The show, running from July 30th to August 24th at the Gilded Balloon Appleton Tower-Eve venue, marks a significant milestone in Chakrabarti’s career, which began at a Bengaluru open mic night after a stint as an engineer in the US.

Chakrabarti, who gained national attention through Comicstaan, describes his style as “deadpan” and his approach as that of a “joke writer” rather than focusing on overarching themes. “Despite Appearances” promises a mix of sharp one-liners and a central narrative connected to the show’s title.

Inspired by comedy legends like Russel Peters and Conan O’Brien, Chakrabarti aims for a natural, relatable performance. He states “The performance should feel natural and not feel like a performance,”

The Edinburgh Fringe is a long-standing institution for performing arts, Chakrabarti recognises the Edinburgh Fringe as an invaluable experience, acting as “boot camp” for comedy, offering the opportunity to perform consistently, network with global talents, and find inspiration.

Prior to Edinburgh, he’s already tested his material at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and London’s Soho Theatre. Chakrabarti is also enthusiastic to see fellow Indian comedians Urooj Ashfaq and Prashasti Singh at the Fringe.

Following the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Chakrabarti plans a nationwide tour of India with “Despite Appearances” from September to December. He also aims to expand his creative output to include sketch comedy and podcasting.

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