Comedian Rajiv Satyal Releases First Solo Video

Now based in Los Angeles, where he often performs at The Laugh Factory and The Improv, Satyal returned to his hometown recently to tape "Rajiv: Left to His Own Devices" (LHOD) at the Fairfield Community Arts Center Theatre, packing the auditorium with hundreds of old friends and new fans.

For 50 minutes, the self-described "Funny Indian" pontificates on race and immigration, family, outsourcing, a recent encounter with actress Eva Longoria, pesky parking tickets and his former employer, Procter & Gamble.

"I worked at P&G for six years before I resigned. Well...before I quit," he clarifies. "I wasn't important enough to resign."

Though never achieving the status of a high-level corporate executive, Satyal eventually became important enough to represent the United States on a diplomatic comedy tour of India last year, known as "Make Chai Not War." In "Left to His Own Devices," he spends several minutes reminiscing about the trip, which was sponsored by the State Department and received international media attention. Through it all, the audience howls with laughter, and, on occasion, groans with pretend-disapproval when the hometown boy-made-good zings an innocent bystander with a politically incorrect observation.

Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2004, Satyal has risen through the ranks on the national standup comedy circuit, working with such iconic comedians as Kevin Nealon, Tim Allen, Kevin James, Russell Peters and others.

"Rajiv: Left to His Own Devices" is not Satyal's first video appearance. He shares the screen with several other comedians in the popular "Indian Invasion Comedy" DVD. However, LHOD is his first solo production.

"I am really proud of this project," Satyal said. "It meant a lot to be able to do it in my hometown."

"Rajiv: Left to His Own Devices" is co-produced by Plum Street Productions. The digital download is available for $5 through Amazon and at www.buyrajiv.com.