Zakir Khan Announces Break From Comedy: What Health Issue Ails Him?

Popular stand-up comedian Zakir Khan has announced a five-year break from live performing due to failing health, he announced on social media. Surprising fans and the entertainment world, the 38-year-old

said he won’t be returning to the stage till 2030. Known for his wry humour, Zakir shared that he intends to step away from the rigorous touring schedule to focus on his health and personal well-being. “I’m going on a long, long break. Probably till 2028-29, or even 2030,” Zakir said during a performance in Hyderabad. “It will be a break of three, four, or five years to take care of my health and to sort out a few other things. So, everyone present here right now is very close to my heart,” he added.

What is ailing Zakir Khan?

Khan has always been vocal about the physical toll of constant touring that he does throughout the year. In his earlier social media posts, Zakir shared how a decade of back-to-back shows, early morning flights, sleepless nights, and irregular meals had taken a serious toll on his health. Despite being unwell for nearly a year, he continued performing. However, the comedian admitted that he could no longer ignore his well-being.

Health impact of constant travelling

According to experts, constant and repeated travel takes a toll on both physical and mental health by disrupting sleep, weakening the immune system, increasing stress, and impacting diet and exercise, leading to issues like fatigue, anxiety, burnout, weight changes, and higher risks of hypertension and infections. Doctors say the constant changes in routine, time zones – which includes jet lag, and environmental stress- stress the body and mind, affecting everything from hormone balance to concentration. It also raises the risk of cardiovascular issues, raising blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A lack of movement and poor posture can cause aches and pains, along with weight gain issues due to poor food choices and inactivity.

Mental and emotional toll

Constant travel and jet lag not only impact your physical health but also take a toll on your mental health, as they increase:

Stress and anxiety

Work pressures, unfamiliar surroundings, and tight schedules elevate stress, which can make you sleepless or eat more.

Burnout

Constant travel and working spikes the risk of burnout, which causes depression

Loneliness

Being away from friends and family, or support systems, triggers feelings of disconnection causing loneliness.

Lack of routine

Lack of any structure makes it hard to process emotions and maintain well-being.

What are the common travel-related issues?

Constant movement of the body disrupts the natural rhythms and support systems, thereby creating a state of chronic stress that manifests in various physical and mental health problems. You can have issues like:

• Jet lag, which disrupts the body clock, leading to chronic fatigue
• Motion sickness can cause vertigo
• Dehydration that gives rise to bloating and other gastric issues