Entertainment
After Kiku Sharda was arrested for mimicking Dera Saucha Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh ji Insaan, the TV and Bollywood industry slammed such a move, pledging support for the comedian...
Updated : Jan 13, 2016, 09:00 PM IST
Bollywood celebrities like Farah Khan, Kapil Sharma and Vir Das among others today took to Twitter to express their displeasure over the arrest of comedian Kiku Sharda for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the followers of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda leader. Kiku, best known for his role of Palak on Kapil's TV show "Comedy Nights With Kapil", has been sent to 14-day judicial custody.
Without making any direct comment, Farah showed support for Kiku by posting an image, which read, "You found it offensive?... I found it funny... That's why I am happier than you." She captioned the photo as, "#KikuSharda." Kapil, the host and the producer of "Comedy Nights With Kapil", showed support for Kiku.
#KikuSharda pic.twitter.com/3KBxnaA1v2
— Farah Khan (@TheFarahKhan) January 13, 2016
"I request sant Ram Rahim Singh ji 'INSAAN' to come out in media in this case and set a beautiful example of humanity by supporting an artist, who is just working to spread happiness in the world. Come, let's work together for happiness and peace," Kapil tweeted.
— KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) January 13, 2016
Vir, known for his comic performances in films and stand-up acts, slammed Kiku's arrest in a series of tweets. "Congratulations India on speedily arresting someone for comedy. Now maybe you can do the same for actual crime soon. "Let's get something straight. If you are offended by any comedy and take it seriously. It means you don't understand what comedy is. The essence of parody humour is outrageousness that cannot under any circumstances be taken seriously. The intent itself is irrelevance," he said.
Congratulations India on speedily arresting someone for comedy. Now maybe you can do the same for actual crime soon.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016
Comedians spend their lives going to literally any lengths to make fools of ourselves...for you....& then get accused of embarrassing others
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016
Let's get something straight. If you are offended by any comedy and take it seriously. It means you don't understand what comedy is. Contd..
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016
The essence of parody humour is outrageousness that cannot under any circumstances be taken seriously. The intent itself is irrelevance.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016
If someone spoofs you or parodies you it means they created a ridiculous version of you. When you take offence, you're doing exactly that.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016
You know what hurts religious sentiments? Religious sentiments. Not comedy.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016
I don't see our leaders getting arrested for behaving like comedians everyday.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016
TV host Mini Mathur, wife of "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" director Kabir Khan, tweeted, "Again.. We are so easy to offend."
Again..We are so easy to offend. This is a comedy show for f*^@s sake!! It's MEANT to show us the lighter side. Oof! https://t.co/lHn5Z8yPFF
— Mini Mathur (@minimathur) January 13, 2016
In his usual sarcastic style, filmmaker Shirish Kunder posted, "Changing my bio to 'Godman'. I've 2.47 lakh followers. Anyone making fun of me will now be arrested under section 295A of IPC."
Changing my bio to 'Godman'. I've 2.47 lakh followers. Anyone making fun of me will now be arrested under section 295A of IPC. #KikuSharda
— Shirish Kunder (@ShirishKunder) January 13, 2016
Actor-comedian Sunil Grover, who plays Kiku's sister Gutthi on "Comedy Nights With Kapil", tweeted, "Palak aaj Ghar aa jayegi. Aa ja bhen. Aa ja. Kuch aur karte hain (Palak will be home today. Come sister, let us do something else)."
"Not sure if they got the correct COMIC! RIP tolerance/ sense of humuor/freedom of speech. @kikusharda," wrote actor Nakul Mehta.