This writer has always been amazed at the ability of some people to make others laugh without any effort. A quick retort, a facial expression or a mimicry can cue howls of much needed laughter through a serious room. Jamie Lever should know. She grew up watching one of India’s first and greatest stand-up comics — and those are the right words to use — in Johnny Lever.

“This is every comedian’s dream to go on a stadium tour,” the 36-year-old says, adding that her work over the last 10 years has been building up to this point. “I suppose the one-woman show has been years of gathering content, learning, growing and failing. After all, I will be performing all alone for two-hours straight,” she points out.