The ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy is not going to die down enough. For those who have followed the comedy scene long enough would know that something like the Samay Raina’s show controversy happened some ten years ago after the infamous AIB roast of Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor. From shocking jokes to overreaction, and once again the question of freedom of speech, it seems that old clips from the time have resurfaced on social media and netizens seem to be making the most of it. As of now, Aamir Khan’s interview clip and his take on ‘violent comedy’ has been doing the rounds.
What happened in the 2015 roast
In 2015, several comedians and Karan Johar roasted Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor. The event had many jokes about their girlfriends, careers, sexuality and a lot that left everyone talking for more than months. Complaints were filed, threats made and eventually, the video was pulled off YouTube.
People and fans were divided over the nature of the roast. At the time, Aamir Khan, at the outh for Governance2015 event, addressed the same and called the act ‘downright unfunny’. “When Karan (Johar) and Arjun (Kapoor) told me what they said and did as part of the ‘roast’, I felt it was very violent event. I completely believe in freedom of speech and no issues there. Violence is not always physical, it can be emotional, it can be verbal. Jab aap kisi ko insult karte ho to aap violence perpetuate kar rahe ho,” he said.
He added, “Everybody has the right to air their opinions. In my opinion, it was not funny. I am not a kid that I will laugh listening to abuses. I am way past that age. I scolded both Karan and Arjun, who are my friends, and told them that I do not find it funny at all,” addressing how the entire episode was quite popular among youngsters.
“If you want to impress me, try making me laugh without insulting anyone. I will enjoy it then. I am not talking about AIB, but about Arjun, Karan and other actors at the event…I think as a creative person, it is my responsibility to search for the good in people,” Aamir had then said.
However, Aamir did not approve of the repercussions and the reactions the show generated. “I don’t know if they’ve broken the law. I also see that there is a lot of lynching happening to them. I do not believe in that either. If I do not like something you have done, I should convey it to you strongly and that is where it ends. Who am I to tell you how you should conduct yourself?” He said.
The current India’s Got Latent controversy
In a comedy show headlined by comedian Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps made a statement about ‘parental intercourse’ which went viral and has now led to a host of repercussions, including complaints and ‘boycott’ calls.
While Allahbadia later apologised for ‘lapse in judgment’ stating that comedy is not his forte, the controversy has spiralled out of hand.
