Award-winning comedienne Shazia Mirza is teaming up with Celebrity MasterChef finalist Hardeep Singh Kohli for a night of curry and comedy. Next month, the duo will take to the stage at the Botanical Gardens during courses at a special event celebrating the finest Indian cuisine and best traditional Scottish whiskies.
Named in the ’50 funniest acts in British Comedy’ list (The Observer, 2008), Shazia Mirza is one of Birmingham’s finest exports; travelling the world with her stand-up shows and perfectly crafted one-liners. Straight from her ‘The Kardashians Made Me Do It’ UK tour, Shazia is coming back to her hometown for the ‘Curry and Comedy’ gala dinner taking place at the Botanical Gardens on 16 September.
Joining fellow comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli, Shazia will be entertaining over 100 guests in between their four-course feast, which has been specially crafted by Hardeep and Itihaas’ head chef, Updesh Shrivastava. Speaking about the event, Shazia said:
“I am very excited to be working with my wonderful friend and hilarious comedian Hardeep Singh Koli, in this curry night which is what Birmingham is all about- Curry, Comedy, and UB40 I love them all and this is going to be a great celebration.”
Known for provocative humour, Shazia’s most recent tour caused some controversy with its subject. Inspired by three girls who left Bethnal Green to join ISIS, and an unrelated radio piece Shazia contributed to the BBC, which subsequently received a record number of complaints. The show tells of the confusion it caused as she looks into the nature of offence, the dangers of politically correct liberalism versus the sinister and terrifying intrusion of ISIS into the lives of young British Asian women. Her authentic humour ensured rave reviews for the show, with critics praising her powerful personality and ability to approach the tricky subjects in the most compelling way.
Guests attending the gala event at Botanical Gardens will get to see Shazia live on stage, alongside comic and former BBC Celebrity MasterChef finalist, Hardeep Singh Kohli. One of the UK’s finest Indian chefs, Hardeep has created a bespoke menu alongside Itihaas restaurant, which includes dishes like Chilli and Stilton Yorkshire Pudding dusted with Paprika; Jungle Lamb Curry cooked on the bone, simmered with Macallan 18 Year Old Whisky; and a chocolate and coconut samosa with a Orange and Chivas whisky Liquor, served with an Almond Kulfi Ice Cream.
The event will showcase the best of Bollywood and British, with fusion cuisine teamed with live entertainment and an exotic cocktail bar.
Tickets are on sale now, priced at £65 and can be booked online or via the Itihaas Restaurant: 0121 212 3383.