What started as a random suggestion from a friend sparked its own career. It was at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in March, 2002 when Shahryar, taking a break from his undergrad classes, was sitting with his friends at the student union. He commented on the flyers around campus for this “Funniest Person at UMBC” contest as a pre-show to Margaret Cho’s stand-up comedy performance and his friend told him that he “could totally do it.” So he did and it went well. Really well. Too well to not try again.

And since that day, whenever Shahryar wasn’t behind a desk, he was behind a microphone.

Shahryar brings a unique combination of material and experiences to the stage which allow him to relate well with a variety of audiences. He lives and works in the DC area, and as a Federal employee, brings out all the humor he sees in his work. Also he is a South-Asian, Muslim comedian which allows him to bring a cultural and religious diversity of content to stage. Then, there’s that large family which has been a great source of material. And finally, of course like everyone else, just the everyday humorous thing everyone sees that he stops to write down and see if he can frame in a unique way.

Shahryar is a regular at many comedy clubs including the DC Improv. And because of this blend, in addition to the regular comedy scene all comedians are a part of, Shahryar also does well with the private cultural and professional events.

There is a special emphasis on professional and government focus with Shahryar because of high focus he does place on his Information Technology career.  He has also completed his MBA from the University of Maryland Smith School of Business, which has helped him be invited for such events like the Northwestern-Kellogg Alumni show.  In the Funniest Fed contest which occurred in 2007, he was a semi-finalist and The Washington Post’s online favorite.  In the 2009 one, he was runner-up.

He has also received much press for his performances. He’s been featured in the Washington Post twice (once in ’07 and again in ’13) as well as Voice of America. He’s been in other publications as well for his passion for stand-up.