“My mom is a teacher who dedicated over 30 years of her life to educating others. She specialized in social studies and was deeply passionate about her work. Growing up, I watched her confidently host events on stage—her favorite being quiz competitions, where she would enthusiastically serve as the quizmaster. She took great care in preparing cue cards and drafting thoughtful questions. Her flair for storytelling, elocution, debates, and essays was unmatched; she was a natural in front of an audience. She also had a remarkable talent for mimicking her colleagues and relatives, always making us laugh with her spot-on impressions. Her sense of humor is one of her defining traits. Whenever we traveled, she would passionately share the historical and cultural significance of each place we visited. No matter where we went, she was often greeted by former students who fondly remembered her influence in their lives.
My mom encouraged me to explore everything life had to offer and to nurture my hobbies. She continues to inspire both me and my sister. I’m proud to have inherited her wit and storytelling skills—qualities that I now bring to my stand-up comedy. She’s my biggest cheerleader and often accompanies me to my shows.
Another major influence in my life is my sister. She’s not only a sibling but also a nurturing, motherly figure. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, she has been performing since the age of eight and brings joy and vitality wherever she goes. Her energy is boundless—she can juggle 50 tasks in a day and still light up a room. Today, she proudly performs in the U.S., where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her dedication to her art continues to inspire me to stay connected with my own creative pursuits.
The birth of my daughter transformed my world in the most beautiful way. I never imagined I could love someone so deeply and unconditionally. She’s a little doll with a radiant personality and serves as both my life’s compass and the muse for much of my comedic material. My heart still skips a beat every time she says, “I love you Mumma”
- Sushma Chitta