Varun Grover’s ‘Nothing Makes Sense’ Tour Takes Sharp Jabs at Governance and Comedy Crackdowns
Lyricist, filmmaker, and comedian Varun Grover recently performed his latest stand-up routine as part of his ongoing tour Nothing Makes Sense.
In the opening of his act, Grover included a witty disclaimer that indirectly referred to the recent backlash faced by comedian Kunal Kamra.
He said, “These are jokes. Venue ki isme koi galti nahi hain. Mera bhi nahin hai. Humare time ki hai. If offended, break a clock.” This humorous introduction subtly underscored the rising intolerance towards satire in the current political climate.
Reference to Kunal Kamra’s Controversy
Grover’s disclaimer was a clear nod to the controversy involving Kunal Kamra that erupted last month.
Kamra had made remarks about Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up performance in Mumbai.
The comments did not sit well with Shiv Sena members, who subsequently vandalised the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, the venue of Kamra’s performance.
Kamra responded by calling the vandalism “senseless” and likened it to someone “overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because they didn’t like the butter chicken they were served.”
He later released a firm statement saying, “I will not apologise… I don’t fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down.”
Grover Highlights the Challenges for Comedians
During his act, Grover emphasized how increasingly difficult it has become to be a comedian in the current environment.
He remarked, “Comedian waise bhi… badi safe life nahi hain comedians ki. Koi bhi kahi bhi uthake apko… Munawar Faruqui ko hi jail jana pada pata hoga apko. Ek joke kiya usne aur jail chala gaya. 3 mahine jail mein raha. Jail se aaya 100 din Kangana Ranaut ke show mein raha, bohot buri halat hain. Bahot mushkil hain iss samay comedian hona.”
Through this, Grover drew attention to the case of comedian Munawar Faruqui, who had spent three months in jail for a joke, and later participated in a reality show hosted by Kangana Ranaut.
The remark offered a satirical take on the difficult circumstances comedians often face when their content offends political or social sensibilities.
Kamra’s Satire on Eknath Shinde
Kunal Kamra, who continues to make headlines, stirred controversy with a parody song in one of his shows. Kamra referred to Eknath Shinde as a “traitor” for his 2022 rebellion against the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government.
Using a satirical version of the popular Bollywood song Bholi Si Surat, Kamra sang, “Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye!”
This performance quickly went viral on social media and provoked outrage among Shiv Sena members, who warned of legal action.
Following the incident, several party workers vandalised the venue where Kamra’s show was held. Police later arrested 12 individuals involved in the act, all of whom were released on bail.
Legal Action and Kamra’s Stand
The controversy did not end there. A police case was registered against Kunal Kamra. In response, Kamra reiterated his stance, stating he would not apologise unless the court directed him to do so.
He assured that he would comply with legal directives but stood firm on his right to satire and expression.
The Growing Tension Between Comedy and Politics
Varun Grover’s performance reflected the growing tension between freedom of expression and political sensitivities in India.
His commentary mirrored the increasing scrutiny comedians face for their content, particularly when it touches upon political themes.
By referencing both Munawar Faruqui and Kunal Kamra, Grover highlighted the shrinking space for comedic expression in an environment marked by performative outrage and legal threats.
His stand-up act, while humorous, offered a sharp critique of the current socio-political climate.
In using humour to point out the challenges of being a comedian today, Grover aligned himself with others in the comedy community who are navigating turbulent waters in a climate of censorship and backlash.
As legal and political pressures mount, comedians like Grover and Kamra continue to push boundaries, using satire to reflect the times—even when the risks are high.
