'I'm still trying to convince my wife I'm funnier than her': Adnan Nalwala

Executive Director of Al Ansari Trading Enterprise LLC and stand-up comedian Adnan Nalwala knows how to find humour in everyday life

The number one item on your wish list.
Have my own special video on Netflix and free parking in Dubai!
One life lesson you'd want to share.
Fail fast and learn from it. That can only be done if you send your ego to space. Do not have an ego, no matter how good you are
at something.
Your most challenging project to date?
Running a contracting business and convincing my wife I am funnier than her. The focus on the latter is on the 'ing' part of challenging - which means I am still working on it.
The biggest learning point or experience in your life?
I was asked to perform at the Taj Hotel in Chandigarh and, of course, my brain only retained the 'Taj' part. I went fully prepared with an English set. Learning: there is no cookie cutter approach or one size-fits-all to everything in life. We have to learn to adapt if we want to succeed. Also, if you are in business and truly believe in it, get a partner to invest and work with you. You are better off sharing your profits. Don't just rely on banks. They lend money but don't invest in your business - there's a big difference.
What advice would you give your younger self, if you could?
Don't stress out so much, travel more, health is more important than wealth and spend more time with people who value experiences.
If you could move to any place in the world, what place would that be?
London! Seven hours away from most continents. Besides, you've got to admit the British accent is pretty funky.
Favourite fictional character of all time - and why.
Batman: he is a superhero who is not doing anything for 'extra credit". He actually wants to get rid of crime. He is not gifted with super powers but works hard to learn martial arts and is a really smart guy who works on developing technology. Lastly, he does have a day job as Bruce Wayne. Which is kind of cool. He doesn't let one or the other thing define
who he is.
The best thing you've ever bought yourself and why?
Michael Jackson's Thriller and Bad albums. I was eight years old when I bought them. They changed my whole life and had an impact on me forever. Although Michael Jackson is a great singer, he gave you much more than just good songs. He innovated dancing. He also made music videos that had better production value than most movies. It made me realise how important it is to give people more than they expect to excel. I apply this principle in my stand up and business.
A superpower you wish you had?
Flight! I love to travel and if I could get to places quickly and enjoy the weather, people and food there, I would be really happy.

If you were head of your country, what is the first thing you'd do?
I would make people do three things
1) Make peace with all my neighbours and use national resources to develop infrastructure instead.
2) Improve the image and branding of all the tourism destinations within the country. This will make more people come and spend money in our country.
3) Allow freedom of speech (Of course, that is what a comedian wants!).
- Staff Reporter