Stand-up comedian Zakir Khan has announced an extended break from live performances, citing health concerns and family medical history as key reasons behind the decision.
While performing in Hyderabad for the ongoing Papa Yaar tour, Zakir said that he is taking a hiatus from comedy for a few years, and will probably return in 2028, 2029, or 2030.
In a recent interview with Gulf News, the comedian said that certain genetic illnesses in his family tend to emerge at a particular age, making it necessary for him to prioritise his health.
“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,” he said.
Zakir also spoke about the pressure he felt as the first person in his family to achieve widespread success. He said this sense of responsibility pushed him to prioritise work over everything else for nearly a decade.
“When you keep your foot on the accelerator for ten straight years, the body is bound to take a hit. I initially thought I could manage health alongside work. But last year, during our US tour, I realised that wouldn’t be possible,” he added.
Addressing the audience in Hyderabad, Zakir announced his break and expressed gratitude to his fans.
“I’m going on a long, long break. Probably till 2028–29, or even 2030. 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.
He added that the audience present at the show held a special place in his heart and thanked them for their continued support.
Last year, Zakir had also shared on Instagram that he had been unwell for over a year due to his demanding schedule. In a message to fans, he highlighted the physical toll of constant touring.
“I’ve been touring for the last ten years. Doing two to three shows a day, sleepless nights, early morning flights, and no fixed meal timings is not healthy. I’ve been unwell for a year, but I kept working because it felt important at the time,” he wrote.
He further stated that while he loves performing on stage, he could no longer ignore his health.
Also Read: Zakir Khan: Untold story of a boy from Indore to Madison Square Garden
“I absolutely love being on stage, but I’ll have to take a break now. Before it’s too late, I should focus on recovery,” he added.
Zakir also revealed that his current India tour has been limited to a few cities on medical advice and that no additional shows will be added. After recording his upcoming special, he has been advised to go on a long hiatus.
He urged fans to attend the remaining shows, describing this phase as a special and emotional chapter before his extended break from live performances.
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