BENGALURU: Standup comedian Munawar Faruqui has hinted at quitting comedy shows after his Bengaluru show, scheduled to be held on Sunday evening, was “forced” to be cancelled by the city police, citing that the artist is a ‘controversial figure.’
The young comedian posted an emotional message on Twitter and Instagram on Sunday morning, bidding a goodbye and regretting the injustice meted out to his work. Faruqui mentioned that 12 of his shows have been “forcibly cancelled” in the past 2 months following threats to venue and audience.
I have become an excuse for their hatred, says Faruqui
Trouble began for Faruqui in January this year after his scheduled show in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was disrupted before it began by a rightwing group allegedly led by a BJP politician’s son, claiming he had hurt religious sentiments through his gigs. Faruqui was arrested and jailed for 37 days till the Supreme Court granted him bail.
“Aaj Bangalore show cancel ho gaya (Under the Threats to venue vandalism). We sold 600+ tickets... Month back my team called Late Puneeth Rajkumar sir organisation for charity which we will going to generate from this show in Bangalore! We do have censor certificate of the show and it's clearly nothing problematic in the show (sic)!” he posted, adding: “We called off 12 shows in last 2 months because of the Threats to Venue and Audience.”
“Inki Nafrat ka bahana ban gaya hoon Hasa kar kitno ka sahara ban gaya hoon Tootne pe inki khwaish hogi puri Sahi kehta hai, mai Sitara ban gaya hoon (I have become an excuse for their hatred! I have been a support to many by making them laugh. (My) breaking down will fulfil their wish. What they say is true, I have become a star,” the comedian wrote.
“I think this is The End. My name is Munawar Faruqui. And That's been my time, you guys were wonderful audience Good bye! Im done. (sic),” he signed off.
Faruqui’s post was greeted with shock by his fans with many coming out with messages in support of him, while some unidentified persons trolled him for his decision. Many supporters urged the artist to reconsider his decision and continue performing through socialmedia platforms regularly.
Member of Parliament and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted, “This is deplorable. Stifling freedom of expression takes many forms but threatening a stand-up comedian’s venue is petty and shameful.”
Actor and activist Swara Bhasker wrote on Twitter, “It’s heartbreaking & shameful how we as a society have allowed bullying and gaslighting to become normalised. I’m sorry Munawwar!” Badminton star Jwala Gutta replied on Instagram, “Don’t let them win.” Some social media users slammed Bengaluru City Police for the incident with a few calling them “spineless”.
