The Indian stand-up comic and writer talks city favourites, life lessons, and her debut Fringe show

Photography: Ray Roberts

How would your perfect Fringe day begin?

With a run in the meadows, then meditation in the Meadows, followed by a breakfast roll and coffee that I consume, sitting in the Meadows.

What are your favourite venues around the city for buzz and also a bit of peace and quiet?

I really like the vibe at Underbelly Cowgate, but most often I end up hanging out with friends at the Assembly bar. And for my peace of mind – spoiler alert – I end up spending a lot of time lying around at the Meadows. 

Your Fringe show, Divine Feminine, features multiple (brilliant) conversations with your therapist. Is she aware she’s now part of your public healing journey?

Yes, she is! And I am blessed that she has a sense of humour about it.

The show contemplates the cultural pressures that come with being a woman in her late thirties. Looking at the good stuff: what’s the best thing about getting older?

For me the best thing about getting older is this deep sense of gratitude towards life that one can only cultivate after spending a certain number of years on earth. As a grown-up, you know the number of ways in which things can go wrong, and hence can truly appreciate the master stroke of luck when things actually align for you.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from heartbreak?

Heartbreaks make us interesting. Most of us would be very vanilla without it. We don’t have to seek heartbreak, but we can cherish it when it comes our way.  

Your stand-up gets under the skin of India’s patriarchal norms. What does it mean to embrace divine femininity, in a world where the patriarchy dominates?

As I say in the show, these are very heavy-sounding words for very simple concepts. I think in order to break out of any oppressive mindset, the first step would be to get back in touch with your intuition – and that is what divine femininity is all about

Any top podcast recommendations for inner calm?

I have actually moved on to finance podcasts after one month at Edinburgh Fringe. That dent in my pocket ain’t going to mend itself!

Who is your hot ticket at this year’s Fringe? (apart from your own show, of course)

The one show I enjoyed the most this year was the Monk Show. It’s a work in progress clown show, but oh my God, I haven’t laughed harder before or after. I also loved Thanyia Moore’s show August and would highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t seen it yet. 

Catch Prashasti Singh: Divine Feminine  at Underbelly – Bristo Square. Book tickets for her show at Soho Theatre from 15th – 20th December