Free Speech or Selective Fury? Why Male Comedians Face More Heat in India

Stand-up comedy in India has long been a magnet for political outrage, often leading to censorship, legal action, or even threats to personal safety. A curious pattern has emerged: while male comedians frequently find themselves in the eye of the storm, their female counterparts seem to navigate these turbulent waters with fewer hostilities. Is this because male comedians lack restraint, or do female comedians exercise more caution? Or is the truth somewhere in between?

The Culture of Taking Offence

If taking offence were a competitive sport, India would be the undisputed world champion. Politicians, religious groups, and social factions display selective outrage, holding comedians to impossibly high moral standards while letting real power-holders off the hook. Stand-up comedy, still a young industry in India, lacks significant political or economic influence, making comedians easy targets.

The Unholy Trinity: Sex, Religion, and Politics

The three most controversial topics in Indian comedy remain landmines for any performer daring to approach them. Vir Das‘ Two Indias monologue sparked nationwide backlash. Munawar Faruqui was jailed before he had even cracked a joke. Yash Rathi faced legal trouble over allegedly offensive language. Kunal Kamra, known for his political satire, has been embroiled in multiple legal cases. More recently, influencers like Ranveer Allahbadia and comedian Samay Raina found themselves in controversy over language used on an entertainment show.

The Gendered Lens of Comedy Controversies

Unlike their male counterparts, female stand-up comedians in India have largely avoided intense political scrutiny. Neeti Palta, one of India’s leading female comedians, acknowledges that political humour is not taken lightly in the country, yet she has not faced the same level of outrage as her male peers. Why?

One argument is that female comedians focus on personal experiences, gender dynamics, and social issues rather than political or religious satire. Their humour is often introspective and observational rather than confrontational. Moreover, deeply ingrained gender norms mean that when women speak on politics or religion in a comedic setting, they are not taken as seriously, perhaps shielding them from large-scale backlash.

That’s not to say female comedians don’t face outrage. Vidushi Swaroop stirred controversy by calling prostitution a “cool profession” during a live performance. Radhika Vaz, known for her unfiltered feminist comedy, has drawn criticism for her views on Hindu festivals and her on-stage performances, including one where she openly called her father’ motherf*cker.’ Shashi Dhiman faced severe online trolling for joking about her mother’s choice of men in a set titled “Dating and Indian Parents.” While these incidents sparked outrage, they mostly resulted in online trolling and threats, which, while condemnable, rarely escalated to legal battles or political vendettas.

In contrast

Male comedians who tread similar territories, especially in political or religious satire, often face immediate legal action, police complaints, and prolonged political backlash. The disproportionate targeting suggests that men are viewed as bigger threats in the space of political humour, making them easier scapegoats in a climate of increasing censorship.

Societal Norms and Gendered Risks

Gender roles subtly influence comedic choices. Male comedians, perceived as “safer” targets for public criticism, may feel emboldened to push boundaries, while women face compounded risks, legal action, sexist trolling, and moral policing. This dynamic reflects broader societal patterns, where stricter policing of women’s speech pushes them toward less controversial material.

Where Do We Draw the Line?

Stand-up comedy thrives on pushing boundaries, but the line between humour and offence is highly subjective. Should comedians be held to a higher moral standard if politicians can hurl insults at each other in public speeches? If comedy’s role is to critique society and power structures, then policing humour only serves to silence necessary conversations.

At the same time, free speech comes with responsibility. Comedians should freely express political views and social criticism, but they must handle certain topics with care. Understanding cultural and social nuances can help comedians craft sharper satire without escalating tensions unnecessarily.