Preeti Das

Preeti Das is a powerhouse of talent and resilience, Gujarat's first and only female stand-up comedian who has been crafting laughter and sparking thought for over 16 years. Yet, her journey transcends the stage, weaving together diverse roles that redefine what it means to challenge societal norms.

An award-winning investigative journalist, Preeti earned the prestigious Ladlee Media Award for Investigative Journalism in 2015-16, recognised first in the Western zone and then across Asia for her groundbreaking series on gang-rape survivors. As a co-founder of Mahila Manch, a feminist stand-up collective in Ahmedabad, she disrupted comedy norms by boldly addressing sensitive topics like politics, patriarchy, and menstruation—proving that humour can be both sharp and transformative.

Preeti’s activism doesn’t stop at comedy. Through innovative events like The Period Show, she uses humour to dismantle taboos around menstruation and gender health. Her trailblazing #IAmKutri campaign, sparked by a controversial statement from a religious group in Gujarat, turned satire into a movement, igniting conversations on women’s rights with wit and courage.

Preeti is a sought-after performer who has graced stages at prestigious forums such as the Mathrubhumi International Literature Festival and the Gujarat Literature Festival. In 2024, she curated Alphaverse at the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters, challenging traditional narratives through sessions on consent, independence, and social norms. She also empowers women across organisations like SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association) and Women Labour Associations to use stand-up comedy to confront domestic violence, reproductive rights, and child marriage.

Reimagining Narratives for All Ages Preeti’s creative genius extends to children’s storytelling, where she reinterprets folk tales to deconstruct stereotypes and taboos. With compelling twists to classics like Sleeping Beauty (teaching consent), Rapunzel (crafting independent escape narratives), and her wildly popular Snow White and the Seven Apps (addressing teenage mental health), she bridges humour and social commentary for younger audiences.

In 2025, Preeti added another feather to her cap with her debut feature film, Kaashi Raghav. Her portrayal of a transgender sex worker was lauded for its sensitivity and depth, further solidifying her reputation as a fearless artist unafraid to tackle complex issues.

An Architect of Safe Spaces Preeti’s latest initiative, Laal Lipstick, is a nationwide project curating inclusive spaces for emerging artists. These performances foster community and dialogue on topics ranging from mental health to gender dynamics, creating vibrant platforms for expression and growth.

Her acclaimed theatrical production Voh Ladkiyon Wala Natak celebrates womanhood while addressing societal taboos, and her stand-up special Love, Sex, and Dhokla fearlessly explores the vulnerabilities of urban women, earning critical acclaim.

With a career spanning over two decades as a journalist, radio jockey, market researcher, international aid worker, academic, and performer, Preeti Das continues to redefine boundaries. Whether on stage, in classrooms, or through her storytelling, she remains steadfast in her mission to challenge biases, amplify marginalised voices, and craft a world where laughter and dialogue drive meaningful change.