‘Tanmay Bhat spoof is a non-issue’

As the controversy around Tanmay Bhat’s Snapchat spoof rages, we asked some comedians what they think about this issue or non-issue if you must.

One of the most well-known cricket comedians, Pune’s own Vikram Sathaye who has now moved to Mumbai, has spent his entire career mimicking personalities like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Gangulyand Rahul Dravid. Asking him for his opinion on the episode, he says that this is a non-issue and it isn’t the right debate on the freedom of speech.

“This is more about people getting offended than freedom of speech. I feel that the discussion will die down in a few days. The matter can get more serious if the government actually takes some action. People have the right to say what they want to,” Sathaye explains.

As far as a Snapchat story becoming a national issue is concerned, Sathaye says that such instances may continue till people understand the workings of social media platforms.

Speaking to Pune 365, Ashish Mehta, a part of Pune’s comedy ensemble, Bharatiya Digital Party, finds Bhat’s video rather overrated. “I don’t find it comic. We have so many more issues to deal with. It’s just sad that this video has become a part of the national debate,” he says.

 But is it wrong to make such videos?

“It’s not wrong. It’s just distasteful,” remarks Mehta. He also shared that a roast is a more legitimate form of making fun as the person is right in front of you.

Bhat’s video titled ‘Sachin vs Lata: Civil War’ was a humorous exchange between the two icons, enacted by Bhat, over who was the better player between Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

A police complaint has been filed by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Mumbai police’s cyber cell is working to block the video. Ameya Kopekar, an MNS leader said, “Whenever we will see Tanmay, we will beat him. We will not let him do any shows. Shiv Sena leader, Sanjay Raut has slammed Bhat saying that people involved in such actions should be ‘whipped in public’. He even called the video a desperate publicity stunt. Many celebrities like have criticised Bhat’s video and have even called it “disrespectful”.

But, Gouri Dange, Pune-based author, counsellor and columnist who often takes a lighthearted view on the city, differs. She says that we, in India, take ourselves too seriously. “I really admire the Western world for the reason that they know how to laugh at themselves. I think is video is funny. Sachin Tendulkar and Lata Mangeshkar have been imitated so many times over the years. I don’t understand why this particular video has outraged people. Anyone can say anything.”

Vijayta Lalwani