About a year ago, I was in a deep doom scroll late one evening, melting into the couch, watching mindless Instagram reels. Then, a comedian appeared on my feed, and I was thrust into laughter. I was captivated by Tarang Hardikar’s unique style of observational humour.
I recall searching for upcoming shows and was saddened to see nothing in Melbourne was on the cards yet. Well, come April 2026, the Comedy Festival had set its schedule, and I was pleased to see Tarang Hardikar on the lineup with his new show ‘If I’m Not Wrong’ playing at the Victoria Hotel – Boardroom for a full festival run.
In his debut appearance at the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Tarang Hardikar’s unique comedy style takes on the everyday and questions it. For example, following the title of his show, Tarang picks apart the statement ‘If I’m Not Wrong’ in a way that shouldn’t be funny, but is utterly hilarious. Right from the start, I was keeling over in laughter.
Tarang’s clever show is more than just funny anecdotes and analysis on the English language, it is a look back at his childhood and time in therapy, disguised as a drawing class. Tarang tells these stories though a one-man pantomime show, sketching out the conversations that took place with hilarious results.
Tarang also has some visual aides in his show via the way of a giant sketch pad that is referenced throughout the show. Mostly covering his struggle to draw a line and his continued attempts to draw one that is perfectly straight. Yes, it is as ridiculous as it sounds, but it is some of the most random and hilarious comedy work I’ve seen.
‘If I’m Not Wrong’ is a wonderful mixture of topics that shouldn’t be funny, but from Tarang, are damn hilarious. From deep analysis of the English language to a look at the history of Mathematics, to why are there never any growing palm trees and only fully grown palm trees? Or why do sports fight so hard to win, only to receive a cup?
The biggest payoff from Tarang Hardikar’s ‘If I’m Not Wrong’ is the inception style wrap up of all the stories and sketches performed during the one-hour show. It was a finale that nobody saw coming, yet one that had the whole Victoria Hotel – Boardroom erupting in laughter when it all came together perfectly.
I am so thankful that Tarang decided to visit Melbourne for the very first time. From discovering him via Instagram to seeing him in the flesh, I can safely say that Tarang Hardikar is a clear standout at this year’s comedy festival! I hope he returns to Australia with more of his unique brand of comedy.
Tarang Hardikar is a natural on the stage. With a humble but quiet confidence, you don’t realise how smart Tarang’s show is until its conclusion. Its brilliance is something you just have to see in person. You don’t always know where he’s taking you story wise, but it’s always a thoroughly entertaining journey with a destination that’s worth the ride.
Tarang Hardikar’s ‘If I’m Not Wrong’ performed at Victoria Hotel – Boardroom as part of the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival until April 19th. He then has two shows as part of the Sydney Comedy Festival on April 25 and 26 at Comedy Store.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/if-i-m-not-wrong
https://www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au/event/tarang-hardikar
https://www.instagram.com/taranghardikar
Photography supplied.