Person to Person: 'I'm a data scientist by day and a comedian by night..it's like having an alter ego'

Tell is about yourself:

Hi, my name is Maanadh. I moved to Cork as a 22-year-old immigrant. Cork seemed a very unconventional choice back then, and I wanted to find myself, so moving to a place where I knew no one and had no idea about made sense. I am a data scientist by day, solving mathematical equations and building AI solutions. By night, I am a stand-up comedian. I am a huge superhero fan in general so it’s almost like having an alter ego. My other hobbies include reading philosophy and psychology.

Where were you born?

I was born in the suburbs of Mumbai, India. And I am now an Irish citizen.

Where do you live?

I currently live in Cork City. Have lived here pretty much since I moved to Ireland.

Family?

I am an only child. My parents live back in Mumbai. Dad is retired, and Mom is set to retire in a few months.

Best friend?

I can’t really name one, but I have a few who are a part of different aspects of my life.

Earliest childhood memory?

Going to play cricket or football after school. I loved playing sports as a kid, especially cricket. The other would be watching classic English movies sometimes with my Dad.

Person you most admire?

Mom. The more I grow up, the more I realise the hardships she went through at every stage of her life and how she spent all her savings just so I could have a better life.

Person who most irritates you?

Also Mom. I am not getting an arranged marriage anytime soon. Haha.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

As a kid, traveling with my parents to Kashmir in India. As an adult, it was to Portugal, which was my first trip as an Irish citizen.

Favourite TV programme?

I like Modern Family as a comedy show. BoJack Horseman and Cowboy Bebop are others.

Favourite radio show?

Don’t really listen much to radio, unfortunately.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Butter chicken. I don’t cook much, but there are a few I do very well.

Favourite restaurant?

I love dining in Thali on Maylor Street, Cork. If it’s a chipper, Kiely’s on Maylor Street as well.

Last book you read?

Finding Your Comic Genius by Adam Bloom. Incredibly great technical book for stand-up comics specifically.

Best book you read?

Mindset by Carol Dweck. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl and Atomic Habits by James Clear. Completely transformed me.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Don’t know; honestly, been such a long time.

Favourite song?

Currently Real Folk Blues from the series Cowboy Bebop.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Not a person but a band... I would like to see Poets of the Fall and Pink Floyd. I was gutted that I missed Metallica, who played in Dublin earlier this year.

Do you have a pet?

No, not yet. But would probably like a golden retriever someday.

Morning person or night owl?

I am a morning person turned night owl due to the nature of stand-up gigs finishing late.

Your proudest moment?

Buying a home for my parents back in my hometown.

Spendthrift or saver?

Saver. Always.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Public transport, honestly. I find the 215 bus is incredibly unpredictable!

What makes you happy?

It’s the little things in life. Figuring out a solution to a problem at work, writing a great joke, and the audience loving it. Building Lego. I adore it.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who took the road less travelled. Or the best example of the quote “A ship is safe in a harbour, but that is not what a ship is meant for“.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I was recently nominated for the BBC Comedy Newcomer Awards – and I am busy with my first solo stage show, premiering at Dublin Fringe Festival this September.

From Mumbai to Cork-bai runs at Bewley’s Cafe Theatre from 16-19 September, as part of Dublin Fringe Festival 2026 - See: https://www.fringefest.com/festival/whats-on/from-mumbai-to-cork-bai