Kiku Sharda was held for mimicking Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, jailed for 14 days, bailed at Rs 1 lakh only to be detained again; artists rally behind comedian, top judge, lawyers question legality of arrest
As entertainer Kiku Sharda was arrested by the Haryana Police yesterday, for mimicking Dera Sacha Sauda head, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on national television, artists have risen up in arms against what is an attack on free speech and artistic freedom.
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Comedian Kiku Sharda, best known for his cross-dress act as single-girl-looking-for-a groom, Palak, was arrested yesterday in Haryana for mimicking religious guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh (left)
“Comedy has always inspired, given messages, it has never harmed. If we are mimicking someone, there should be no control politically or socially. I believe we respect all religions. For us comedians, feelings and emotions are a bigger religion. Kisi ko khulke hasaana, isse badi ibaadat nahi, kisi ke dil ko dukhana hamari aadat nahi,” said fellow comedian Sunil Pal.
What incensed many was the fact that Kiku Sharda was held even after he apologised and made it clear that it was never his intention to hurt any religious sentiments, and he had only enacted the script he was provided. File pic
Kiku is best known for his role as ‘Palak’ in the show ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil’, where he parodied the self-styled godman Ram Rahim in the episode that aired on December 27. He was arrested in Mumbai and sent to Haryana, where he was remanded to 14 days in judicial custody after a Dera Sacha Sauda follower, Uday Singh, filed a complaint against him. The complaint was filed under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (outraging religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious belief).
Scapegoat
However, many pointed out how Kiku was the only one singled out for the act, while no one else — not the show producer, the scriptwriter or the channel — was pulled up.
Stand-up comedian Aditi Mittal told mid-day, “295A is an archaic law, one of the hangovers we’ve managed to maintain since post-colonial times, although, I am no one to comment on it. Why are they going after one individual? It always boils down to one person who becomes the symbolic scapegoat for that particular expression, although everyone was in on it. The network, entire show, the organiser and the audience who laughed and clapped – they should go after everyone.”
Fellow comedian Vir Das said the channel should take charge and support Kiku. “I am not sure what this organisation is and how they managed to pull this off. The channel should now take responsibility. I have known Kiku’s work for many years and he has made us laugh on several channels. Artists are always given scripts. I think the comedy community should rally behind him, and more than that, the channel and their legal resources should rally behind him.”
Also read: Twitterati express shock over TV actor Kiku Sharda's arrest
He was quick to add, however, that this episode should not be viewed as an attack on comedy: “I don’t think people are attacking comedy; this is just one group that pulled it off. People are embracing comedy, which can be seen in the support that has been pouring in for Kiku on social media.”
Apology not accepted?
What incensed many was the fact that Kiku was held even after he apologised and made it clear that it was never his intention to hurt any religious sentiments, and he had only enacted the script he was provided.
“I was given a dress, script to read and directed to act,” Kiku had told the media after his arrest, adding that he had been booked in this case but no action was taken against others, including the TV channel.
Following Kiku’s apology, Ram Rahim tweeted that he had no complaint against him as he had already apologised. Late in the evening, the actor was released in Kaithal on a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh, only to be detained again in the Fatehabad district as another case was registered against him in the same matter.
Actress Kavita Kaushik, who worked with Kiku in the comedy show FIR, said instead of crucifying him, people should accept Kiku’s apology. She said, “The audience has the right to dislike a subject, but taking this to such a drastic step is ridiculous, especially after he apologised. Kiku is being punished even after he extended an olive branch. Where is the humanity if we don’t even know the art of forgiveness?”
As it is, the timing of the controversy could not have been worse. “The timing is so bad; Kiku’s father just came out of a bypass surgery a few days ago. My heart goes out to him and I am really upset and disgusted with the situation. After knowing him for so long, I can confidently say that he is the last person to court controversy. He always follows the instructions given by the production house,” said actor Suresh Menon, who is a close friend of Kiku’s.
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