Zarna Garg, an Indian comedian with a significant following, recently defended her decision to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival during an appearance on Mayim Bialik's podcast. Garg expressed that she felt a higher calling to inspire women in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of her comedy in a region where women often lack representation. The festival, which took place from September 26 to October 9, 2025, featured a lineup of well-known comedians, including Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart, but was met with backlash due to Saudi Arabia's history of human rights abuses. Garg pointed out that much of the criticism came from those unfamiliar with the realities of Saudi Arabia, stating her material reaches audiences globally, including women in the region who secretly follow her work. She insisted that financial motivation was not a factor for her, as she could earn similar income elsewhere. Instead, she viewed her participation as a chance to represent women and encourage dialogue in a society where such discussions are often limited. Garg believes that even small steps toward inclusion are significant and should be supported.