Meet Avinash Agarwal aka ‘Indian Donald Trump’: Comic quit his job, spent 12 years doing open mics before viral fame
Stand-up comedian Avinash Agarwal, popularly known as the "Indian Donald Trump" for his viral impression of the former US President, has opened up about his decade-long journey in comedy. Before becoming an internet sensation, Agarwal spent 12 years performing at open mics after leaving his corporate job, proving that persistence can eventually pay off.
Written by
Jyoti Mukherjee

Meet Avinash Agarwal aka ‘Indian Donald Trump’: Comic quit his job, spent 12 years doing open mics before viral fame
Avinash Agarwal may be widely recognised today as the "Indian Donald Trump," but the comedian's rise to internet fame was anything but overnight. Behind the viral videos and millions of views lies a story of perseverance, rejection and an unwavering passion for stand-up comedy.
Agarwal, who has won audiences with his uncanny impersonation of former US President Donald Trump, recently reflected on the long road that led to his breakthrough. Before becoming a social media sensation, he quit his job to pursue comedy full-time and spent nearly 12 years performing at open mic events across the country.
Like many aspiring comedians, Agarwal began his journey in small venues where audiences were often limited and recognition was hard to come by. Despite the challenges, he continued refining his craft, experimenting with different styles of humour and building confidence through live performances.
His breakthrough came when clips of his Donald Trump impression began circulating widely on social media. Viewers praised not only his voice modulation and mannerisms but also his ability to blend observational humour with political satire, earning him the nickname "Indian Donald Trump."
The viral success introduced Agarwal to a much larger audience, leading to sold-out shows, online collaborations and a growing fan base. His story has since become an example of how years of consistent effort can eventually translate into mainstream recognition in the digital era.
Speaking about his journey, Agarwal acknowledged that the path was filled with uncertainty. Performing at countless open mics over more than a decade helped him develop resilience and sharpen his stage presence, even during periods when success seemed distant.
The comedian's experience also reflects the evolution of India's stand-up comedy scene, where social media platforms have increasingly become a launchpad for artists who spend years honing their skills offline before finding viral success online.
Today, Agarwal continues to perform across the country while creating digital content that resonates with audiences. Though he is best known for his Donald Trump impersonation, he has consistently expanded his repertoire with original stand-up routines and character-driven performances.
His journey serves as a reminder that behind many viral success stories are years of dedication, persistence and hard work that often go unnoticed.
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