mid-day editorial: Be a fan, but don't fan controversies

The Vishal Dadlani and Jain monk Tarun Sagar imbroglio continues to simmer, as the Haryana police yesterday filed an FIR at Ambala police station against the singer-composer for hurting religious sentiments.

A quick recap - Sagar, who is a monk of the Digambar sect, had been asked to address the Haryana Assembly. Since his religious sect shuns clothes, Sagar delivered his speech in the nude. Besides mocking Sagar's lack of attire on Twitter, Dadlani also underscored the need to avoid mixing governance with religion. Soon after, a firestorm ensued and Dadlani wasted no time in deleting the offensive posts. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporter also apologised to the Jain community and expressed his wish to quit political work.

The monk, who has been the target of mockery, however, has maintained that it's a trivial matter and "there is nothing to forgive". Reports also stated that he has forgiven Dadlani and forgotten this incident. Now, when the monk has forgiven the so-called ‘offender' - who has apologised profusely - there is little point in continuing to fan the issue.

Often, it so happens that the object or target of ridicule (whether intended or otherwise) does not make too much of the issue. But the so-called followers and supporters continue to scream for punitive action because it guarantees them two minutes under the spotlight.

When comedian Tanmay Bhat got into trouble for making fun of Lata Mangeshkar, the legendary singer said it was a very small matter and nothing really affected her, as she has been through a lot in life. In fact, she had requested her fans not to get hassled on her behalf. It is time to heed to their words.

Well-wishers, your support is appreciated, controversy is not.