Mumbai: Controversy is increasing over a recent episode of comedian Samay Raina's show 'India's Got Latent'. The witty banter that started between Samay Raina and comedian Sharon Verma in the show reached the comments related to Bihar and Kashmir. Now reactions of leaders and organizations associated with Kashmiri Pandit community have come to light on this matter. Let us know what is the whole controversy.
How did the controversy start?
During the episode, Samay Raina made fun of Sharon Verma's Bihari background. In response to this, Sharon has also commented on the Kashmiri identity of that time. When this joke between the two continued, Sharon said that at least he had left his kingdom willingly. This answer was seen on social media linking it to Samay's Kashmiri background and many users called it the show's 'mic-drop' moment.
Shiv Sena leader cornered Raina
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey has criticized Samay Raina on this entire issue. He said that it is not right to target any state, caste or religion in the name of comedy. Dubey alleged that Samay should understand the sensitivity of Bihar and Jammu and Kashmir and he should limit himself to comedy only.
At the same time, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam said that comedy should be taken as a joke, but he also did not find it appropriate to joke on a serious issue like displacement of Kashmiri Pandits. He said that obscenity should not be promoted in the name of humor.
Bihar's Education Minister also responded
Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said that derogatory remarks against any citizen or community of the country cannot be accepted. He said that keeping in mind the unity and integrity of India, no one should be made fun of on the basis of caste and religion.
What did the Kashmiri Pandit organization say?
Jammu and Kashmir Peace Forum said that freedom of comedy is important, but there should also be responsibility along with it. According to the organization, the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits and their pain should not become a punchline of entertainment or social media. The organization appealed for sensitivity instead of demanding censorship. Now this entire controversy has once again raised the question as to where the boundary should be drawn between comedy and hurting the sentiments of a community.