“Years later, when I was working as a trolley wally in a supermarket, I tackled the boredom by talking to the customers in as many different accents as I could manage. I started with one that I didn't think would alert any suspicion - generic Asian - then moved on to Irish, Welsh, Australian and American.”

British comedian, actor, and presenter

Romesh Ranganathan is a British comedian, actor, and presenter. Known for his deadpan, often self-deprecating style, he has built a career in stand-up and television. His comedy often returns to questions of identity, especially his own description of himself as a British “coconut”, a label he connects to being raised by his mother, Shanthi Ranganathan. That perspective gives much of his work its personal edge, with material shaped by family, culture, and the awkwardness of everyday life.