Before moving to Mumbai about a year ago from Hong Kong, Mike Harrington was told by a friend that if he had to immerse himself in the local culture, he needed to learn about Hinduism and India's many gods. And so he did. "When I got here, I realised everybody worships different Gods; from Amitabh Bachchan to Sridevi, Salman Khan, and so on," shares Mike, giving us a hint of his infectious humour as we begin confabbing. He continues, "People talk as though they know these Bollywood stars intimately. It is very funny."

Mumbai, with its contrasts and quirks, offers rich fodder for homegrown stand-up comedians. Why would then expats, with explicit observations on the city, hide their funny bone, asks Mike. A full-time consultant in the corporate sector and a spicy food enthusiast, Mike has dragged his mic stand to Mumbai, a place he calls fantastically funny — and home. "Back in the US, I was the class jokester. I was known for making impressions of our bosses. One time, I was asked to do a skit for a corporate retreat. I knew that this would either make me a hero or I'd end up losing my job. Thankfully, I still work for the same people," the 33-year-old New Yorker adds.