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The freedom to be funny

Indian comedians find themselves grappling with restrictive laws on freedom of speech and expression on a democratic platform that most have hailed as the fourth wave of industrial and economic revolution.

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Amarjot Kaur

Indian comedians find themselves grappling with restrictive laws on freedom of speech and expression on a democratic platform that most have hailed as the fourth wave of industrial and economic revolution. On Independence Day, we speak with stand-up comedians, actors and rappers to find out how free are they, as social-media influencers, to speak their mind out on the digital platform. Also, they have a few ‘Independence Day’ wishes. 

Say what you need to say

As far as censorship on jokes goes, I don’t subscribe that sort of policy. Neither have I regretted anything I said on stage, nor do I pre-censor anything. I am a reasonably patriotic person who considers himself as a moral human being. So, I assume that anything I write will come from that compass of thought. To me independence, in context to comedy and modern India, is not about censorship, but civilised discourse. I do feel, we have more freedom than other countries, but I wish our women had more independence. I’m rooting for gender equality and equal pay for women. 

Vir Das, actor-comedian 

Colloquially speaking 

Digital content is bringing a change, it’s making people accept of all kind of content. There’s no such thing as absolute freedom of speech and expression, but there’s an atmosphere of hate-mongering in our country. The only thing I want for this country to get rid of is the nibble-mindedness. Even as I use abuses on digital media, I am talking to people colloquially. Young people relate to it! But I also hosted Olympics, World Cup with Sony, where I didn’t abuse. Digital media, you must understand, is not like TV. It’s more personal and relatable. 

Sahil Khattar, comedian, actor and anchor 

Answer us

Between TV and digital media, I feel one has to apply more filters on TV, some that are justified because it’s for family viewing and some that are imposed by censorship policies. As an actor, our job is to express. Some four years ago, Kiku Sharda was arrested for hurting people’s religious beliefs, but he mimicked the actor ‘Gurmeet Ram Rahim’ was and not the self-proclaimed godman. In that regard, I feel our freedom of speech and expression is controlled. I feel we need more tolerance towards criticism. My wish for Independence Day would be the right of a common man to demand ‘answerability’ from the government and its servants. 

Balraj, actor-comedian 

Azaadi of thought

There’s no absolute freedom as you do have to follow the law of the land. Under IPC you can’t make fun of any religion, national icons or person of repute, which is vague enough for people to go after you. Essentially the law was made against inciting hate. So, there’s no complete freedom. Good comedy is when you are punching at authority, not one that punches down marginal sections of society. This Independence Day, I wish the future generations have more independence to choose whatever they want to do in life.  

Punit Pania, stand-up comedian 

Breaking free

There’s no absolute freedom of speech and there’s no law for parody in India, so you can’t make religious jokes. As a 23-year-old I’d like to talk about taboos, like pre-marital sex or smoking weed—that, as a millennial, is a very regular thing to do. I hope our country can rid itself of all these taboos and stigmas. 

Masoom Rajeshwari, stand-up comedian 

Get the laws right 

Internet began with an ideology to promote a civilised communication between different communities, but today, there are voices that preach intolerance too. So, it has an equal voice of progressiveness and repressiveness.It needs a strong form of jurisdiction. Also, Internet should be free. I am all for feminism. 

Sofia Ashraf, comedian, rapper, actor 

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