JOKE'S ON YOU

Kaneez Surka is breaking the beauty-standard mould on her journey to comedy success & personal self-acceptance

- Barry Rodgers

Comedian Kaneez Surka, who’s touted as the ‘queen of improv,’ wants us to know that she’s proud of her body, no matter what size it is. And while unsolicited feedback about her appearance has continued throughout her life, Surka says that she has since learnt not to let it affect her confidence. “Appearance has very little to do with where we should get our confidence from. Unfortunately, everywhere we turn we’re told we’re supposed to look a certain way,” she says. In fact, the comedian recounts how, while growing up, someone commented on her “big legs” in a photograph. “That has stuck with me ever since. I am convinced that my legs are just massive. I’ve also never been particularly fond of my hair and skin, but it doesn’t seem to matter anymore. I think doing what I love, as opposed to following a skincare regime, has given me my glow,” she adds.