Entertainment
Meet the ‘Indian Donald Trump’: How Avinash Agarwal Quit His Job, Spent 12 Years at Open Mics and Finally Became an Overnight Viral Star
From leaving a stable corporate career to performing hundreds of stand-up gigs, Avinash Agarwal’s journey proves that years of persistence can suddenly turn into internet fame after one unforgettable performance on India’s Got Latent.
For most people, overnight success looks exactly like that—instant fame, millions of views, and thousands of new followers. But behind the viral rise of Avinash Agarwal, popularly dubbed the “Indian Donald Trump,” lies more than a decade of relentless hard work, failed experiments, and unwavering belief in his craft.
The comedian has become the latest internet sensation after his appearance on Samay Raina’s hit comedy show India’s Got Latent, where his spot-on Donald Trump impression, razor-sharp humour, and quick comebacks stole the spotlight. While the episode featured Bollywood stars Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, it was Avinash’s performance that became the biggest talking point on social media.
A Dream That Started With a Bold Decision
Long before becoming a viral sensation, Avinash made a life-changing decision in 2013 when he left his copywriting job to chase a career in stand-up comedy. Looking back, he has admitted that quitting his job at that stage may have been premature.
Instead of giving up, he continued balancing corporate responsibilities with late-night comedy performances, gradually sharpening his stage presence through countless open mic events.
According to information available on his professional profile, Avinash has accumulated over 15 years of stage experience, performing at more than 800 live shows across India. Besides stand-up, he has also hosted major events and shared stages with some of the country’s most recognised entertainers.
An Impressive Career Beyond Comedy
Before his viral breakthrough, Avinash had already built an impressive resume.
He has represented India at the prestigious Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking in the United States, finishing among the Top 30 speakers globally—an achievement that reflects his exceptional communication skills.
Over the years, he has hosted events featuring celebrities including Manisha Koirala, Abhay Deol, Johnny Lever, and Anurag Kashyap. Reports also suggest that he has contributed to script-writing projects involving Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra.
Johnny Lever’s Advice Stayed With Him
One of Avinash’s favourite memories involves legendary comedian Johnny Lever.
In an earlier social media post, Avinash recalled asking Johnny how he could become as funny as him. The veteran comedian jokingly replied, “Ek tablet aati hai, woh har Wednesday lo aap…”
Avinash later realised that the “tablet” Johnny was referring to was actually the discipline of regularly performing at open mic nights, where comedians constantly test and refine their material.
The Joke That Broke the Internet
Avinash’s biggest breakthrough came during his appearance on India’s Got Latent.
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One of the episode’s most memorable moments arrived when Alia Bhatt paused while responding during a segment. Without missing a beat, Avinash quipped, “Somebody give her a script and a director.” Moments later, he added another punchline, “Somebody give her an action director.”
The audience erupted with laughter, and the clip quickly spread across social media platforms, making Avinash the standout performer of the episode.
From Years of Struggle to Viral Fame
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
Within just 48 hours of the episode’s release, Avinash reportedly gained nearly 250,000 new Instagram followers, while clips from his performance flooded social media timelines. He also emerged as the winner of the episode, cementing his place as one of India’s fastest-rising comedy personalities.
His story serves as a reminder that viral fame often comes after years of unseen dedication. What appeared to be an overnight success was, in reality, the result of more than a decade of consistent performances, countless open mics, and an unwavering commitment to comedy.
For Avinash Agarwal, the journey from corporate professional to the internet’s beloved “Indian Donald Trump” has finally come full circle.
