You have got to hand it to Kunal Kamra, he has a knack of getting into all kinds of controversies. Being a ‘Stand Up’ comedian is a tough job really, firstly he has to physically stand as he can't afford to sit down during the shows, which must be quite an ordeal for him, going by his 'kamra' (room) of ‘kamar' (waist). Well as the adage goes in Hindi "यथा नाम तथा गुण " so you can't blame him for that. Frankly I find his brand of humour not just in poor taste, but also crass as the language he chooses to use is generously loaded with expletives in Hindi. Funny part is the show is in the Queen's language as most of his ilk are to the manor born, his fan following is typically restricted to the Gen Zee and some of the millennials, as those born prior to that are quite chary when it comes to very colourful language that too in a family setting.
In the Army we have two types of stuff, one which is kept purely for inspections, be it uniform or crockery, the other one is the 'daily use' variety. The inspection types get relegated to the daily use variety when a new item is procured. Similarly the means of communication with troops differ from that with the hierarchy or at home. With men in uniform, especially when troops belong to the Punjab, the language is colourful but if they are from the hills or down South, one better watch out, as they don't take kindly to such offensive language. Be that as it may, the use of slangs with friends makes communication more informal, so there is greater tolerance there. Even in these gatherings there are some of us who refrain getting colloquial and guess what, we are accepted as we are, despite this flaw of ours.
But getting back to Mr Room, pardon the pun, this room definitely has a view and not just one but "Views", Kamra of course, he is a gutsy fellow, pokes the high and mighty and doesn't back down. The politicians may actually be cross with him as they are known to eat their words for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and here this guy just refuses to do that. The other remarkable thing about him is his allegiance to the group which is opposed to the present dispensation. We all know there is a good market out there, just write, speak, act in a manner which refers to the powers that be in a poor light and you shall be hailed as a messiah. You will turn into a social media influencer worth courting and you can laugh all the way to the bank. Any trash will do, but be prepared for all kinds of charges, libel suits and even physical threats, yes, the legal luminaries will fall over each other to take your cases even pro bono, nobody minds publicity, you see.
I may not like his comedy, but he definitely has a right to express it, written or verbal, as Voltaire famously said, "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." A word of advice for the high and mighty too, if you learn to ignore such pricks, they will lose their nuisance value and they will literally be seeking refuge in some corner somewhere. Life of a social media celebrity is limited to the time he remains relevant, so take your call. If RK Laxman could not just get away with lampooning almost everyone he chose to and still walk away with not just his head held high but also being awarded the second highest civilian award, "Padma Vibhushan", you could too and the best part is even a family audience can watch it with pleasure for whatever is its worth.
26 comments:
Agree. Well written.
As usual very well articulated and apt.
Nice one
I loved that line--- if you learn to ignore such pricks, they will lose their nuisance value and they will literally be seeking refuge in some corner somewhere. Attention is their oxygen.
Spot on. The petulant one needs to be ignored
Hi, it is very normal for any comedian to make fun of policies and the people in power in any country. Many shows in the US only have these and get lots of eyeballs which is main aim of any performer. The policies of the government also provides them all the ammunition for humour. There is nothing that the opposition does that would bring in so much of laughter. I really don't think there is anything wrong in criticising the people in power. That is the only thing that makes them carefull and take decisions with care. The problem occurs when the political dispensation doens't want anyone to say anything against them and want to enforce their might. That leads to an autocratic kind of government, not good for any country. The lesson for them as you rightly brought out is that take this as a joke and ignore it. This will be good for the people who are looking for good laughs as well as for people in power.
This is my way of thinking and i hope we have more such comics to keep the political bigwigs on their toes.
I feel it's all about being sensitive to others' sensitivities and staying within limits to avoid offending the person who is the subject of a joke. Democracy is about knowing these limits and not stepping on others' toes—because they, too, can hit below the belt. So, it's best that we all understand where to draw the line.
You have freedom of speech, but he has the power to curtail it.
Both of you are using special power and gift..so why cry when other side uses his ..warmly
The reference to Laxman was indeed poignant. But times & tastes seem to have changed. I was there at a Kunal show recently and was not the oldest by far.
Reputation of the SUC (stand-up-comedian), doesn't hold great value, given his proclivity to desperation. At best a cheapster. Before this incident, I'd never have deigned to watch his stupidity. Once the editorials waxed, I watched his diatribe. Clown without humour. A buffoon.
His proximity to the Pappu clan -his hubris.
Well penned, Suyash! The Room, as you call him, is playing to a gallery packed with that GenZ attitude. All the noise, much like the result of clamour to ban various 'offensive' books and movies, is getting more audience to that gallery. So much for these minions protecting society. Touchy. Isn't it a give-away when someone suddenly takes a joke too seriously?
I miss the good old cartoon section of newspapers, the slapstick comedies on TV. That 'tadka' is going out from our daily diet. A fading pulse of our collective sense of humor, a grim prognosis. Laughter is the best medicine!
Well put!
But looks like this time Maha Govt ne kamar kas li hai, Kamra ko kaise bhi sort out karne ki.
Well written!
Very well put, Suyash. Nail on the proverbial head, as always. Unfortunately, our hukumarano ki skin keeps getting thinner and thinner. Hope it doesn't vanish altogether, else.....
👍
Controversy is easy publicity
Well written as always with humour and pun...as far as the guy is concerned, didn't know he existed at all....not worth the time.
Suyash! Very well analysed ..Standardof Humour needs to be of Class devoid of Cheap Vulgarity and Profanities.He is fit for GCI in Comedy.
Freedom of speech does'nt give any citizen to cross the limit and definitely not for this kind of humour at the cost of anyone.It is high time the courts n establishments draw a line.
Well highlighted article Suyash.
Agreed
Nicely written Bhai. Regards VZ.
I haven’t watched any of his shows hence can’t comment whether he is class or crass. However, why is government after him - because his jokes are crass or because he dares to say things against the government. When the media, whose primary role was to critique the policies and actions of the government, has been completely silenced, an alternative came up in the shape of comedians or erstwhile cartoonists. Older politicians lumped it with grace, the newer ones don’t have that class. So it’s crass vs crass.
A nice humorous piece on Kamra ! Am sanguine that Kamra indulges in his 'humorous' political rhetoric for monetary inducement. His humorous lunches are not free ! 😁
सोशल मीडिया के इस दौर में FAN FOLLOWING एवं LIKES आत्म मुग्ध होने के अवसर, प्रचार, प्रशंसा और पुष्प प्राप्त होने के अवसर और ज़ेब भरने के अवसर भी प्रदान करते हैं । विचारधारा गई तेल लेने, सीधे सीधे भद्दी गालियों से SITTING DOWN LISTENERS कितना Enjoy कर रहे हैं, ये ज़्यादा satisfying होता है,
अस्तु हमेशा की तरह शानदार और ज़बरदस्त शब्द चयन, वाक्य विन्यास जो निकलते हैं अद्भुत विचार शक्ति से।
साधुवाद !!
A humorous take on Kamar aka Kamra and the sane advice to the politicians. Do not give TRP to the guy ! Indeed enjoyed reading the blog and chuckled at you subtle sense of humor. Bravo buddy!
Dear Sir,
Your astute observations on Kunal Kamra's brand of comedy and the nuances of free speech are truly enlightening.
Your humorous analogies, such as comparing Kamra's stand-up comedy to physically standing due to financial constraints, are witty and engaging.
I appreciate how you've balanced your critique of Kamra's comedy style with a steadfast defense of his right to free speech, echoing Voltaire's iconic phrase.
Your advice to those in power to ignore provocateurs rather than amplifying their voices is wise and timely.
As someone who's had the privilege of being instructed by you, I can attest that your sharp insights and witty humor are traits that make you an exceptional educator and writer.
Please keep sharing your thoughtful perspectives!
Falling back once again to Voltaire to defend your right to your views. However, profanity is surprisingly well accepted and sometimes there is no better way of saying it and being being better understood.
Tickling the funny bone and satire characterize stand-up comedians, for they often pull off with elan and style that which you & I also feel and want to shout/ call out, but are constrained,.
Nothing specifically about our friend in question, but I do love the fare served by stand-up comedians, whenever I find time to invest in them.
Cheers!
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