I have fabulous hair—that’s all I want them to know. Ha! I like to say I’m a storyteller. I’m very passionate about telling stories and connecting to people through stories. That’s what I did on YouTube, and I plan to do the same on late night.
I was part of an NBC comedy pilot called Bright Futures. I was really bummed when it wasn’t picked up, but because I had tested so well with audiences, we started chatting about what a show starring me might look like, and then they offered me the late-night spot. I was sitting on my couch in my office when I got the call, and I froze. I’m not sure if I’ve processed it yet.
When you’re an Indian girl, most people think your trajectory is go to school, get married, have kids. But I’ve always broken the mould. I wanted to dance and do entertainment rather than go to grad school.
Say that again for my parents in the back.
Definitely Russell Peters. He paved the path for us coloured folk, and I think he made me understand that it’s okay to speak from a specific cultural lens. You don’t have to eliminate your specific experiences to be relatable to a greater audience. There are common themes everyone can relate to.
We did, briefly, at the GLAAD Media Awards, where I presented an award to her. She gave me a little shout-out in her speech, which was awesome. I’ve been lucky to have a lot of women in the industry reach out to me. Miley Cyrus actually got her people to call NBC as soon as my show was announced to say she wants to be on. Amy Schumer had some recommendations for writers. Chelsea Handler had some advice on how to stay sane.
I absolutely do, and it is Beyoncé. She’s the hardest guest to get, but I’m confident one day it will happen.
A Little Late With Lilly Singh, Global, premieres September 16.
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