Nelu Handa
Her first acting role, at the tender age of 7, was impersonating Elvis singing ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ for anyone who would walk into her living room. After many years of being involved in the dramatic arts, she then pursued a business degree and parlayed her latent comedy passions into being the goofiest marketer in the boardroom. And then the acting whispers became yells and could no longer be ignored.
Trained extensively in Improv comedy, Nelu is a graduate of The Second City Conservatory program, a Bob Curry Fellow, and has studied at Bad Dog Comedy Theatre and Upright Citizens Brigade.
Nelu has performed on a variety of TV shows, including The Beaverton (CTV), Odd Squad (PBS), and Almost Genius (CMT). She was featured in Season 1 and wrote and performed in the upcoming Season 2 of the hit show Baroness Von Sketch Show (CBC). She has also been in a bunch of cool commercials including Honda Civic, Comcast, Spotify, and Harlequin Books.
Nelu is the creator, producer, and host of YAS KWEEN, a groundbreaking monthly night of comedy that showcases ethnic women. It’s the first Thursday of every month. Come check it out #YasKweenTO.
Nelu performs live comedy regularly, as an improviser, standup, and sketch performer. She was a member of the inaugural Featured Players cast at Bad Dog, where she also teaches improv and directs shows.
Nelu has crossed paths with Tom Cruise a few times and every time it’s felt really great.
P.S: It’s pronounced ‘knee-loo’