Comedian Rajiv Satyal to Open for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in San Jose

As a former Procter & Gamble marketing executive, comedian Rajiv Satyal knows something about international business. A first-generation Indian-American, he also understands his parents' native culture.

Satyal's high-tech humor and political acumen will be in the spotlight as never before, when he opens for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, on Sunday, September 27.

Modi, the first Indian head of state to visit the Bay Area since the 1970s, will be in Silicon Valley meeting with several tech firms that want to invest in India, and also to discuss possible reforms to his country's business regulations. His appearance at the SAP Center, which is billed as a community reception, is already sold out, with more than 18,000 people expected to attend.

"This is the biggest thing I have ever done, as a comedian," Satyal said. "To open for the prime minister of the second largest country in the world, which is also my parents' homeland, is an incredible honor."

At Modi's appearance in San Jose, Satyal will be more emcee than comedian, as he introduces other entertainers who are also scheduled to appear, including co-host and Bollywood actress Ashvini Bhavé. However, he promises a few quips and funny stories.

"One of the themes of my standup is being a product of two of the world's largest democracies," Satyal said. "I like to say I am 'free speech squared.' I will probably talk about some of America's similarities with India and how Prime Minister Modi is making his journey from the Indus Valley to the Silicon Valley."

Though Satyal was born in Ohio and now lives in California, he often speaks proudly of his Indian heritage. He is the creator of "I Am Indian," a tribute to India's many contributions to business, science, the arts and religious tolerance. The video has garnered an estimated 50 million views worldwide, and was shown on stage before the prime minister spoke in Shanghai and in Dubai. The video can be seen here!

Satyal is also one of the creators of "Make Chai, Not War," a multi-ethnic stand-up comedy show, which the U.S. State Department sponsored in 2012 as part of a cultural exchange program with India, and which was well-received by audiences of thousands in seven cities in India.

More recently, Satyal created a ten-city stand-up comedy tour titled "I Am..." The final performance was scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on September 27, but Satyal said he was "honored to cancel it for the chance to open for Prime Minister Modi." As such, the last stop on the "I Am..." tour will take place on Friday, September 25, at the Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, beginning at 8:00 p.m. For tickets, visit www.Brava.org.

Information about Rajiv Satyal is available at www.RajivSatyal.com.

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