Actor and stand-up comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi’s shows in Lucknow were cancelled by the police due to concerns about law and order. The cancellations followed a letter from the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission urging the authorities to ensure that his performances did not “malign women.”
The letter, written by Aparna Yadav, vice-chairperson of the UP State Women’s Commission, was sent to DGP Prashant Kumar on February 14. It expressed concern over the use of inappropriate language in Bassi’s previous shows and emphasised the importance of maintaining decorum.
The letter specifically mentioned an upcoming comedy show in Lucknow on February 15 and highlighted the indecent language used in his past performances, which were viewed on his YouTube channel. Yadav urged the police to prevent such shows if they involved inappropriate content and to cancel them altogether if necessary.
Bassi, who starred in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar, was scheduled to perform two shows in Lucknow on February 17 at 3 pm and 7 pm. In response, Aparna Yadav referenced recent controversial comments made by Ranveer Allahbadia on India’s Got Latent, saying, “I do not believe that hurling abuses at mothers and sisters is necessary to make people laugh.”
Anubhav Singh Bassi’s shows cancelled
India Today reported that ACP Radha Raman Singh cancelled the event, citing security concerns over potential objectionable content and possible protests. Singh also mentioned that the organizers were denied a No Objection Certificate due to the risk of law and order issues. Bassi has not publicly commented on the cancellations yet.
Online reactions on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have been divided. Some users believe that genuine comedians who wish to perform without crossing boundaries will suffer because of this incident, calling it the “worst decision.” Others, however, supported the move, arguing that such jokes should be banned, while some deemed the decision “nonsensical.”
This cancellation follows a controversy involving Ranveer Allahbadia on India’s Got Latent. Allahbadia’s comment about sex and parents sparked backlash, resulting in legal trouble for him and other influencers involved in the show, including Samay Raina, Apoorva Mukhija, and Ashish Chanchlani. Several complaints were filed, and the Mumbai police began investigating the matter. Ranveer later claimed he was receiving death threats and that his mother’s clinic had been invaded by people posing as clients. Additionally, Apoorva has reportedly been receiving rape threats online, and Ashish cancelled a screening event due to the controversy.