Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam (L) defended comedian Samay Raina (R) regarding controversial jokes
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has defended comedian Samay Raina amid the controversy over remarks made during his show, India’s Got Latent, Season 2, about people from Bihar and Kashmiri Pandits, saying that humour should be viewed in the context in which it is made. Nirupam’s remarks come amid criticism of Raina over comments made during his show, India’s Got Latent, Season 2, about people from Bihar and Kashmiri Pandits. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news.
Nirupam, however, said he did not approve of all the remarks made during the show and acknowledged that the comments related to Bihar were not appropriate. Nirupam said the comments concerning Kashmiri Pandits were particularly troubling given the history of atrocities faced by the community. He pointed out that Raina is himself a Kashmiri Pandit and said he did not feel comfortable with the comedian clapping when comments relating to the community’s suffering were made. “I felt like the injustice faced by Kashmiri Pandits was being mocked,” Nirupam said. Despite his objections, Nirupam said he was willing to forgive both the people involved in the exchange. “It was humour, and it should be taken as a joke,” he said. Nirupam said humour should not be used to justify obscenity While defending the comedians in the latest controversy. “There is no place for obscenity in society,” he said. “If someone spreads obscenity in the name of humour, then certainly there should be a ban on them,” he said. Verma responded with a joke about Raina’s Kashmiri identity and “getting stoned”. She also said she had “atleast left her state by choice. The Jammu and Kashmir Peace Forum said the community’s pain should not be turned into a punchline and criticised Raina and comedian Sharon Verma over the remarks.
He also expressed discomfort over a remark made by a stand-up comedian Sharon Verma, who is from Bihar, in response to the Bihar-related comment, particularly the reference to Kashmir. Nirupam added that if anyone spreads obscenity in the name of humour, action should be taken against them. The criticism came after Raina and Verma exchanged jokes about their respective backgrounds. Verma, who is from Bihar and Raina, a Kashmiri Pandit, were seen roasting each other over their places of origin. Raina took a dig at Verma’s Bihari roots and stereotypes about migration for work. The latest controversy has also drawn criticism from groups representing Kashmiri Pandits. Download the TOI App.