Mumbai: Bollywood celebrities like Farah Khan, Kapil Sharma and Vir Das among others today took to Twitter to express their displeasure over the arrest of comedian Kiku Sharda for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the followers of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda leader. Kiku, best known for his role of Palak on Kapil's TV show
'Comedy Nights With Kapil', has been sent to 14-day judicial custody. Without making any direct comment, Farah showed support for Kiku by posting an image, which read, "You found it offensive?... I found it funny... That's why I am happier than you."
#KikuSharda pic.twitter.com/3KBxnaA1v2
— Farah Khan (@TheFarahKhan) January 13, 2016 She captioned the photo as, "#KikuSharda." Kapil, the host and the producer of 'Comedy Nights With Kapil', showed support for Kiku.
Actress and columnist Twinkle Khanna also tweeted out her support.
A country where everything is sacred except laughter #KikuSharda
— Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) January 13, 2016 "I request sant Ram Rahim Singh ji 'INSAAN' to come out in media in this case and set a beautiful example of humanity by supporting an artist, who is just working to spread happiness in the world. Come, let's work together for happiness and peace," Kapil tweeted.
— KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) January 13, 2016 Vir, known for his comic performances in films and stand-up acts, slammed Kiku's arrest in a series of tweets.
Congratulations India on speedily arresting someone for comedy. Now maybe you can do the same for actual crime soon.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016 Comedians spend their lives going to literally any lengths to make fools of ourselves...for you....& then get accused of embarrassing others
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016 Let's get something straight. If you are offended by any comedy and take it seriously. It means you don't understand what comedy is. Contd..
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016 The essence of parody humour is outrageousness that cannot under any circumstances be taken seriously. The intent itself is irrelevance.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016 If someone spoofs you or parodies you it means they created a ridiculous version of you. When you take offence, you're doing exactly that.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016 You know what hurts religious sentiments? Religious sentiments. Not comedy.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016 I don't see our leaders getting arrested for behaving like comedians everyday.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 13, 2016 Singer Vishal Dadlani also hit back at the godman saying that the real joke was on him as his movies 'Messanger Of God'.
Heard @kikusharda 's been remanded to judicial custody for mimicking RamRahim on TV! Absurd! RamRahim's 'films' are the real joke, anyway!
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) January 13, 2016 TV host Mini Mathur, wife of 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' director Kabir Khan, tweeted, "Again.. We are so easy to offend."
Again..We are so easy to offend. This is a comedy show for f*^@s sake!! It's MEANT to show us the lighter side. Oof! https://t.co/lHn5Z8yPFF
— Mini Mathur (@minimathur) January 13, 2016 In his usual sarcastic style, filmmaker Shirish Kunder posted, "Changing my bio to 'Godman'. I've 2.47 lakh followers. Anyone making fun of me will now be arrested under section 295A of IPC."
Changing my bio to 'Godman'. I've 2.47 lakh followers. Anyone making fun of me will now be arrested under section 295A of IPC. #KikuSharda
— Shirish Kunder (@ShirishKunder) January 13, 2016 Kamaal R Khan, who is never short of comments or words also joined in and sent out a tweet.
#KikuSharda got arrested for mimicking Gurmeet Ram Rahim. Are you serious police n court? Are you really serious? What a joke of the law!😛ðŸ˜Â
— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) January 13, 2016 Actress Huma Qureshi also condemned the funnyman's arrest. Without takinG his name, she posted, "Living in the times where one can get arrested for laughing lampooning and imitation .. will I get arrested for tweeting next? #outrage."
Actor Ranvir Shorey expressed his angst by tweeting, "I would like to point out @kikusharda probably has a bigger following than any Baba, and is more honest!
"@kikusharda isn't the one who should be in jail! These are the "Babas" of our times. Selling themselves as action heroes, while getting comedians put behind bars. This is "Ghor Kalyug"!"
Actor Boman Irani posted, "First things first, If the man has sincerely apologised could someone please put him out of his misery!! #kikusharda."
First things first, If the man has sincerely apologised could someone please put him out of his misery!!! #kikusharda
— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) January 13, 2016 "Totally shocked by Kiku Sharda's arrest! Let's fight for #ourfreedomofspeech," wrote actor Parmeet Sethi.”
We don't need comedians our law is funny enough. The arrest of #KikuSharda is a great example of absolutely 'A' level #bullshit
— Cyrus Broacha (@TheBakraMan) January 14, 2016 Why was #KikuSharda arrested ? The answer to this question should make us all hang our heads in shame. The joke is on us. #Shameful
— Mushtaq Shiekh (@shiekhspear) January 14, 2016 Actress Delnaz Irani said, "We feel so unsafe in our own country. My dear friend Kiku is a humble, kind human being wth immense values. It's shocking n shameful #KikuSharda."
"Heard @kikusharda 's been remanded to judicial custody for mimicking RamRahim on TV! Absurd! RamRahim's 'films' are the real joke, anyway!" tweeted music composer-singer Vishal Dadlani.
"Comedy is meant to be irreverent, & to take the mickey out of EVERYTHING! Seems like we're going full-medieval in India, though! #FreeKiku," he further wrote.
