Comedian Zarna Garg Reflects on Her Choice to Reject an Arranged Marriage and Its Impact on Family

At just 14 years old, stand-up comedian Zarna Garg made a courageous decision that significantly altered her life path.

Refusing her father’s arranged marriage, Garg left her affluent family home in Mumbai, India. This decision led to her immigration to the United States and severed her relationship with her father, who never spoke to her again.

A Difficult Family Relationship

During a candid discussion with Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade, Garg elaborated on her strained relationship with her father. This conversation took place on an episode of The Brian Kilmeade Show.

Garg recounted the moment she stood her ground against her father’s ultimatum. She revealed, “My dad was like, ‘Listen, if you don’t want to get married, you can’t live here.’ He thought he would scare me into submission, and I thought he would eventually come around. He was grappling with the loss of my mother, and I assumed he would see things differently. We were basically in a standoff,” she said.

Leaving Home for Independence

Initially, Garg planned to stay with friends while waiting for tempers to cool. However, what began as a carefree experience quickly turned into a two-year struggle for stability.

“I showed up at my friend’s house, and after a day, her mom suggested I return home. That’s when it hit me: I have nowhere to go. It quickly became two years of asking, ‘Where can I sleep tonight?’” she explained.

Despite continuing her education, Garg faced the daily stress of uncertainty about her living situation. Every night represented a new challenge in her life.

Comedy as a Coping Mechanism

Reflecting on those trying times, Garg explained how her experiences shaped her comedic voice. She stated, “Looking back, a lot of my comedy has roots in those years. A significant reason people welcomed me into their homes was because I made them laugh. I kept things light and strived to contribute positively, whether around the dinner table or in daily interactions.”

Seeking Reconnection

After an extended period of estrangement, Garg eventually tried to reconnect with her father. During this time, she was attempting to secure an immigration visa to join her sister in the U.S.

Kilmeade expressed disbelief regarding the lengths Garg’s father went to in maintaining his stance. Garg responded, “You would be surprised at how severe people are back home. In America, it might seem excessive, but in India, when someone says you will listen or else, they truly mean it.”

A New Chapter in America

Garg successfully obtained her U.S. visa in 1992 and went on to pursue a degree at the University of Akron. She later graduated from the Case Western University School of Law, marking significant milestones in her academic journey.

For Garg’s father, her decision to leave India represented a breaking point in their relationship. He ceased all communication, leading to a complete estrangement. Tragically, Garg was even barred from attending his funeral.

A Complicated Legacy of Love

Despite the pain of their divided relationship, Garg maintains that her father’s intentions were rooted in love.

“I understand how shocking this feels in America. However, my father perceived my refusal as me walking away from a life he planned for me. He wasn’t a bad person. He came from a place of wanting the best for me, even if I didn’t agree with it. I have three siblings who accepted arranged marriages, and my sister is especially happy and thriving,” she concluded.

Finding Humor in Heartache

Garg’s journey reflects the struggles many face when cultural expectations clash with personal desires. Through her experiences, she has learned to use humor as a vessel for healing. As she navigates the complexities of estrangement and ambition, her story resonates with those who have grappled with the weight of familial expectations.