New Delhi: Zarna Garg is stepping out of her comfort zone. The Indian comedian and screenwriter recently made headlines for wearing a shirt and jeans on 4 July.
Garg, who is known for wearing traditional Indian clothes, explained her decision to wear something more western, declaring it as her personal “Independence Day.”
In a social media post, Garg shared that she has had a long and complicated relationship with clothes, saying that she was liberating herself and “making the decision to wear what I want, when I want.”
“This may feel confusing to many of you, but sourcing and keeping up with custom-made, bright coloured Indian clothes—with a custom belt for each outfit has been so stressful I cannot even explain. Add to that my insane travel and touring schedule of being on stage practically every night of the year and living in fear that if my checked luggage doesn’t make it, I’m doomed,” Garg said.
She went on to say that Indian clothes helped her get started on stage, but that it was now time for her to evolve, which came with its own fears.
“In life and in business—you have to keep pushing—beyond what’s comfortable and known. This Independence Day, I declare independence from this outfitting trauma and fully embrace my identity on stage and off and performed my first ever stand up set in jeans,” Garg added.
Garg rose to fame with her late-in-life reinvention. After 16 years as a stay-at-home mother, she began her stand-up career in her 40s. She used TikTok and Instagram videos of her outspoken Indian immigrant mother’s image to amass a sizeable worldwide fan base.
Throughout her career, Garg has channelled her identity as an immigrant through her choice of clothes, sporting traditional Indian wear like kurtas and her bindi on stage.
Following her post, several fans shared their support for the comic.
“YOU are the show, not your clothes! Be comfortable! You have enough other things to worry about with getting your kids married to the highest-achieving doctors in New York! Congratulations on declaring your independence from the shackles of Indian only clothes. You look marvellous,” read one comment.
Another commented, “Go, girl! Whatever you want is fine with me!”