Abish Mathew
Abish Mathew (born 28 February 1987) is an Indian stand-up comedian, YouTuber, writer, musician, and television host. He is widely known as the creator and host of the comedy talk show Son of Abish and the documentary-style series Journey of a Joke.
Mathew gained popularity through his association with the comedy collective All India Bakchod (AIB) and later became a prominent figure in India's modern stand-up comedy scene. He is also recognized for hosting shows such as Comicstaan and appearing in digital comedy specials.
Early Life and Education
Abish Mathew was born and raised in Delhi, India in a Malayali family. From a young age, he showed interest in music, humor, and performing arts.
During his school years, he frequently participated in:
- School performances
- Musical events
- Debates and dramatics
- Comedy and mimicry
Mathew completed his schooling at Father Agnel School in New Delhi. His early involvement in music and stage performances later influenced his unique style of musical comedy.
Career
Radio Career
Before entering stand-up comedy, Mathew worked as a radio jockey at Red FM in Delhi. The role helped him develop communication skills, voice modulation, and improvisational humor.
His experience as an RJ also helped him build confidence performing in front of audiences.
Stand-Up Comedy
Mathew began performing stand-up comedy at open mic events in Delhi and later moved to Mumbai, where the stand-up comedy scene was expanding rapidly.
His early stand-up performances included:
- Observational humor
- Musical comedy segments
- Improvisation with audiences
He quickly gained popularity for his energetic stage presence and clean humor.
YouTube and Digital Success
Abish Mathew rose to national fame with his YouTube talk show Son of Abish, which premiered in 2014. The show features interviews, games, musical comedy, and interactive segments with celebrities and comedians.
Guests on the show have included:
- Bollywood actors
- Stand-up comedians
- YouTubers and digital creators
- Musicians and influencers
Another project created by Mathew is Journey of a Joke, a series documenting the process of building a stand-up comedy special from writing to performance.
Mathew's YouTube channel has gained more than one million subscribers and over 150 million views.
Television and Streaming Projects
Abish Mathew has appeared and hosted several digital and television shows, including:
- Comicstaan – comedy reality show host
- Whoop – Amazon Prime Video stand-up comedy special (2018)
- Various comedy panels and online entertainment programs
He also hosted a special episode related to Shark Tank India Season 1 titled *Gateway to Shark Tank India*.
Comedy Style
Abish Mathew is known for a clean, high-energy comedy style that blends music, storytelling, and improvisation.
Key characteristics of his performances include:
- Musical comedy
- Observational humor
- Improvisational audience interaction
- Cultural jokes about Malayali and Delhi lifestyles
His performances are widely appreciated by both youth audiences and corporate event audiences.
Live Performances
Mathew regularly performs live stand-up shows and comedy tours across multiple countries.
His international performances have taken place in:
- India
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Singapore
- United States
He has also performed at several comedy festivals and entertainment events.
Personal Life
Abish Mathew became engaged to actress and YouTuber Archana Kavi in 2015. The couple married on 23 January 2016 in Vallarpadam Church, Kerala.
The wedding was attended by several members of the Indian comedy and film industries. In 2021, the couple announced their divorce.
Achievements
Some notable achievements of Abish Mathew include:
- Creator and host of the popular YouTube show Son of Abish
- One of the early pioneers of India's YouTube comedy talk shows
- Host of the comedy reality show Comicstaan
- Successful transition from radio jockey to stand-up comedian
- Millions of views across digital platforms
Net Worth
Abish Mathew's estimated net worth is reported to be around ₹3–6 crore. His income sources include:
- Stand-up comedy shows
- YouTube content creation
- Hosting events and shows
- Brand collaborations
- Writing and production projects
Legacy
Abish Mathew is considered one of the influential figures in India’s modern stand-up comedy movement. His work in digital comedy, musical stand-up, and talk-show hosting helped shape the early YouTube comedy ecosystem in India.
Through projects like Son of Abish, he has provided a platform for numerous comedians, actors, and creators to reach wider audiences.