Anil Desai started in comedy with the sketch group The Giant Pineapple Boys, who performed at the Edinburgh festivals from 2001 to 2004. He then went on to host The Late Show Spank! On the fringe and created comedy characters Rajesh: Bollywood Lounge singer and Candice the Fluffer Girl. He is best known as an impressionist, and has performed several solo shows in various international festivals to showcase his talents.

He is also an actor, having appeared in Goodness Gracious Me, Doctors and The Bill among others.