Filmmaker Varun Grover addresses serious concerns about freedom of expression

At the start of his set, Grover added a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer that appeared to reference the recent controversy involving fellow comedian Kunal Kamra indirectly.

Hyderabad: Lyricist, filmmaker, and comedian Varun Grover addressed serious concerns about freedom of expression in his latest stand-up show, Nothing Makes Sense, which is currently touring across India.

At the start of his set, Grover added a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer that appeared to reference the recent controversy involving fellow comedian Kunal Kamra indirectly. Grover said, “These are jokes. Venue ki isme koi galti nahi hain. Mera bhi nahin hai. Humare time ki hai. If offended, break a clock.” The statement cleverly shifted blame from individuals to the times they live in.

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This came shortly after Kamra’s comments about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a Mumbai show sparked backlash. Shiv Sena members vandalised the Habitat Comedy Club, the venue where Kamra performed. Kamra responded defiantly, refusing to apologise and criticising the attack as “senseless.”

During his set, Grover highlighted the increasing risks faced by comedians today. “Comedians don’t live safe lives. Anyone can be picked up anytime. Munawar Faruqui had to go to jail for a joke and stayed there for three months. After that, he spent 100 days on Kangana Ranaut’s show. It’s tough to be a comedian today,” he said.

Grover’s set used humour to point out the shrinking space for dissent and satire, while also acknowledging the pressures faced by artists navigating the current social and political landscape.