A scheduled show by stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui for Monday was called off when Hindu groups protested against the performance accusing Faruqui of slandering Hindu deities in the past and pointed out that he could stoke communal tension in poll-bound Goa. Ironically, police impressed upon the organisers and went out of their way to ensure that the show was cancelled.
The 30-year-old comedian from Mumbai has been at the centre of controversy with vigilantes and right-wing Hindu groups accusing him of derogatory comments on Hindu dharma and mocking saints. He was arrested earlier this year for his performance at a cafe in Indore Madhya Pradesh, with a son of a BJP MLA accusing him of making a malicious joke on Hindu deities. Ironically, the arrest was reported to be made over a 'joke' he did not make, with the complainant stating that he overheard Faruqui rehearsing. The comedian was subsequently granted bail by the Supreme Court.
There are hundreds of stand-up comedians in India, each with their distinct style. While most laughter shows have passed muster, those hitting at Hindutva or mixing satire with religion have been labeled as controversial and disturbing communal peace. To assume that Faruqui will mock at religion in every show of his is presumptive, and cancelling the performance on such a preconceived fear is irrational.
Faruqui has won laughs and accolades for his political comedy and satire on political leaders, including Amit Shah. Instead of willfully accepting an allegation made by a minority Hindu group and swiftly pulling down the curtains, the police should have maintained checks and balances and monitored the show. They could have even explored the possibility of engaging Faruqui prior to the show.
Outright cancellation of shows is not only unfair on the audiences who had pre-booked tickets online, but is primarily a stricture against the freedom of expression of comedians and theatre artistes. Pre-scheduled performances can't be cancelled on the presumption that it may have provocative content. If that's the notion authorities hold, permissions should not have been granted in the first place. In this case, checks and balances should be maintained to ensure that the red line is not crossed.
Goans take their religion very seriously and so also their politics. Stage artists respect all religions, but have not spared politicians. In an electoral season, directors and singers will come up with politico-bashing plays and songs with highly-opinionated scripts, and thanks to the political sponsorships, the stage is all set to hit a crescendo. There will be complaints and counter-complaints. Let's not forget, a noted singer who has now joined ranks with the TMC was roughed up and taken into custody several times for his political songs.
How are the police going to act then? Is the administration going to ban the directors, actors and singers who have a history of antagonizing political leaders in the government? Or will the government of the day run riot over those who are critical of them?
