The reactions to Indian comedian Tanmay Bhat’s video have been swift, with Bollywood stars taking sides. Bhat’s lampooning of the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, which went live on Thursday, has divided the Hindi film industry. While actors such as Sonam Kapoor and director Mahesh Bhatt support Bhat, many found his jokes distasteful. Here are some of the reactions:
Hansal Mehta, director:
“AIB is usually funny, sharp and clever. The #TanmayBhat video is none of those. Question is does a bad joke deserve punishment and/or abuse?”
Sonam Kapoor, actress:
“Being living legends, I know Sachin Tendulkar and Lata Mangeshkar don’t even know and care about what’s going on! Stop spewing hate on their behalf.”
Pritish Nandy, producer
“One tiny slip and the whole world jumps on your throat. That’s the life of a stand-up.”
Anjali Tendulkar, wife of cricketer Sachin Tendulkar:
“Disrespect is not cool neither it’s funny...Comedians should understand the difference between comedy and insult.”
Anupam Kher, actor:
“I am 9 times winner of #BestComicActor. Have a great sense of humour. But This is NOT humour. #Disgusting&Disrespectful”
Mahesh Bhatt, director and producer:
“I think it’s the duty of a comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately: George Carlin”
Paresh Rawal, actor:
“A comedian can either be funny or unfunny..but that was repulsive & awful..but again that’s his right. What can I say.”
Sahil Shah, comedian:
Daily Indian Routine: Wake up and take in a deep breath of offence. Spend day outraging. Abuse the world and go to sleep. Repeat.
Chetan Bhagat, author:
“You cannot arrest people for making jokes. Even if the jokes are bad. Really.”
Vishal Dadlani, musician and actor:
“It’s OK, it’s all good. Sachin is a legend and Lata Mangeshkar is a Goddess. Their glory isn’t gonna be lessened by a rude joke. Calm down!”
Riteish Deshmukh, actor:
“Am absolutely shocked. Disrespect is not cool and neither is it funny”
Milap Zaveri, director:
“Had taken AIB’s side during the roast issue and think @thetanmay is very funny. But sadly this time it’s in poor taste.”
