Indian comedian, actor, and musician Vir Das recently got a chance to perform a monologue at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Vir performed a short monologue about India’s duality on stage. The comedian’s short speech addressed a wide range of topics, from the PM Cares fund to cricket to women’s safety in India. However, the speech which was intended to create a positive impact, was not appreciated by the viewers in India.
Vir Das’ monologue sparked threats, abuse, and outrage on Twitter. Netizens claimed that the monologue was nothing but insult to the country. They even demand an apology from the comedian for his remarks.
After receiving many bitter comments over social media, Das took to social media and issued a statement. He clarified that the ‘video appeals for us to never forget that we are great’ and urged people to not be fooled by edited snippets.
“There has been a sizeable reaction to a video I posted on YouTube. The video is a satire about the duality of two very separate India’s that do different things. Like any nation has light and dark, good and evil within it. None of this is a secret,” he wrote.
“The video appeals for us to never forget that we are great. To never stop focusing on what makes us great. It ends in a gigantic patriotic round of applause for a country we all love, believe in, and are proud of. That there is more to our country than the headlines, a deep beauty. THAT’S the point of the video and the reason for the applause. Please do not be fooled by edited snippets,” Vir added.
“People cheer for India with hope, not hate. People clap for India with respect, not malice. You cannot sell tickets, earn applause, or represent a great people with negativity, only with pride. I take pride in my country, and I carry that pride across the world. To me, a room full of people anywhere in the world, giving India an ovation is pure love. I ask of you, the same thing I asked of that audience to focus on the light, remember our greatness, and spread the love,” his official statement further read.
