Zakir Khan break from comedy has been driven by serious health concerns, the stand-up comedian revealed in a recent interview. Zakir admitted that years of relentless work, combined with genetic illnesses in his family, have forced him to pause and prioritise his well-being.
The comedian shared that neglecting his health for nearly a decade has taken a visible toll on his body, prompting him to step away from live performances for the foreseeable future.
Zakir Khan Explains Why He Is Stepping Back
Zakir candidly discussed the reasons behind his decision, revealing that some of his health issues are hereditary.
“I need to take care of my health. There are certain genetic illnesses in my family that tend to surface after a particular age. On top of that, I’ve damaged my body myself sleeping for just two hours and then going on to meet thousands of people,” Zakir said.
He explained that the demanding nature of touring left him little room for recovery. “The moment you land in a city, you immediately start meeting people. When you keep your foot on the accelerator for ten straight years, the body is bound to take a hit,” he added.
Zakir also spoke about the pressure of being the first in his family to achieve large-scale success. That responsibility, he said, pushed him to place work above everything else, including his health, for almost ten years.
“I thought I could manage health alongside work. But last year, when we were in the US, I realised it wouldn’t be possible to do both together. That’s when I made this decision,” he said.
Clarifies Viral ‘2030’ Remark
A clip from Zakir’s Hyderabad show recently went viral, in which he mentioned being away from stand-up comedy until around 2030. Clarifying the remark, Zakir said he was referring specifically to performances in Hyderabad, explaining that once he takes a break and later resumes work, it may take time before he returns to the city.
Zakir Khan Announces Break During Live Show
Zakir officially announced his extended break during a live performance in Hyderabad as part of his ongoing Papa Yaar tour. Addressing a packed audience, he shared that the break could last three to five years, possibly until 2028, 2029, or even 2030, after completing his existing commitments.
“It will be a break of three, four, or five years to take care of my health and sort out a few other things,” he said. “Everyone present here tonight is very close to my heart. Your presence means more to me than you can imagine.”
Zakir later echoed the sentiment on Instagram, noting that all scheduled shows until June 20 would be treated as a celebration, marking a temporary farewell before he steps back to focus on recovery and personal priorities.