Zarna Garg bet on herself — and hit the jackpot

In her latest book, “This American Woman: A One in a Billion Memoir,” Zarna Garg talks about her life in India and her experiences as an American.NJPAC

When Zarna Garg got to her new husband’s house after her three-day Indian wedding, his grandmother took command and told Garg and the other six daughters-in-law to form a line. She then started yelling instructions, along with other family members: You go down one! It was a beauty lineup, and she goes up one.

“Zarna!” the grandmother yelled. You’re not the most repulsive person! The second ugliest is you! Everyone applauded after the lineup, according to Garg, who also mentioned that it’s common in Indian society for women to be compared and evaluated based on their appearance.

In her New York Times bestselling book, This American Woman: A One-in-a-Billion Memoir, Garg discusses her experiences growing up in India, relocating to the US, and adjusting to life as a wife, mother, and American. The beauty lineup is just one of many details she shares in the book.

The stay-at-home mother, who started practicing her stand-up routine in her mid-40s, is now 50 and in her prime. She debuted in a film earlier this year called A Nice Indian Boy, which stars her opposite Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff and examines queerness and tradition in the Indian American community.

She is presently working on a series with comedy giants Mindy Kaling and Kevin Hart, and her second Hulu special, Practical People Win, is scheduled to premiere in July; the precise date has not yet been revealed.

Garg and Mosaic had a conversation about her future, job, family, and life. This is what she said.

Mosaic: After your mother passed away, you fled home when you were 14 because you didn’t want to get married in an arranged marriage. What prompted you to make that choice?

GargThe worst thing you can have in an arranged marriage is a child like me who loved to read, loved school, and had an insatiable curiosity. It’s the best method to turn off any potential customers since they want someone who is gentle and submissive. A girl who will ask questions, speak back, or even have thoughts is the last thing they want.

Mosaic Your chapter about private schools in New York is quite informative. Share your experience with us.

Garg: I came to the conclusion that a private school in New York is comparable to a country club. You travel there because there are other wealthy and well-known people there, and their child will be friends with your child. You will also spend the summer and vacation with them. I never wanted that for myself or my children, and this is not my life.

Mosaic: Your children now have some privileges by attending an upscale private school. What do you hope to achieve with your children?

GargThis weekend is my daughter’s Stanford graduation. She chose to work with me despite receiving numerous job offers.

I’ve joked a lot about her not getting a degree in ceramics. Because I pushed, she is graduating with a degree in computer science and classics. We made a deal when I threatened to kill myself if she didn’t pursue a career in STEM.

We came to the conclusion that I’m creating something genuine in the end: a platform that honors working people who are nerdy, don’t take luxury vacations, but enjoy their jobs, and are a true comedy hub. People who can identify to the idea that marriage is more like a partnership during battle than a never-ending romantic film are the ones we are addressing with my book and podcast.

My kid understood when I said, “I feel like I’m tapping into a global consciousness.” The mainstream media doesn’t portray people like us who are quiet, diligent, and proud. Five people bent over laptops—what will they show them?

She has already jumped in and successfully managed my book’s preorder campaign.

Mosaic: What guidance would you offer to your self at the age of 14?

Garg I had no strategy when I left my home at the age of 14. I simply reasoned that I would land upright. And in retrospect, I believe: Zarna, sweetheart. Have that bravery for the rest of your life. You will require it.

On July 3 and 4, Garg will perform at the West Side Comedy Club, located at 201 W. 75th St. Visit ZarnaGarg.com to purchase tickets.