Zakir Khan turns his father’s influence into a deeply personal Netflix special

Indian comedian's latest stand-up special to premiere on September 18

Indian comedian Zakir Khan is set to bring one of his most personal stories to the stage with his upcoming Netflix stand-up special, Papa Yaar, premiering on September 18.

Known for turning everyday experiences, relationships and the awkwardness of growing up into relatable comedy, Khan’s latest special places his relationship with his father at the heart of the story.

Netflix describes Papa Yaar as a special inspired by Khan’s childhood, weaving together humorous and heartfelt memories of his father.

Khan announced the special on Instagram in collaboration with Netflix India, sharing a poster that shows the comedian from behind as he stands on stage facing a crowd.

“Papa is coming and I know you guys are ready,” he wrote in the announcement, confirming that Papa Yaar will begin streaming on September 18.

 

 

 

 

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While Khan has built his career around observational comedy and stories drawn from ordinary life, Papa Yaar takes a more intimate direction, looking back at his childhood and the influence of his father.

Reflecting on their relationship, Khan said he did not always understand the lessons and values his father was trying to pass on to him. “As a child, I rebelled against my family and its legacy. I often felt that I was going against everything my father was trying to teach me,” Khan said.

With time and experience, however, the comedian said his perspective had changed. “But when I look back today, I realise that every foundation I stand on was built by him through his values, his lessons, and everything he tried to teach me when I was too young to understand,” he added.

That shift in perspective appears to be at the heart of Papa Yaar, which is expected to move between comedy and reflection while exploring the complicated process of understanding one’s parents with age.

Khan described the special as a tribute not only to his own father, but also to the fathers and parental figures whose influence often remains quietly woven into their children’s lives. “Papa Yaar is my way of thanking my father, and all the fathers who quietly shape who we become,” he concluded.