Comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi was set to perform in Lucknow on February 15, with shows scheduled at 3 PM and 7 PM. However, the event was cancelled following a letter from Uttar Pradesh State Women's Commission vice-chairperson Aparna Yadav to DGP Prashant Kumar, raising concerns over content appropriateness. The cancellation comes in the wake of ongoing outrage over Ranveer Allahbadia’s controversial remarks on Samay Raina’s India’s Got Latent, which sparked widespread backlash.
The letter stressed the importance of refraining from offensive language and urged people to be respectful. "It has been known that on February 15, a comedy show of Anurag Singh Bassi is being organised at the Indira Gandhi Pratisthan, Lucknow. After watching his previous shows on YouTube channel, it has been noted that indecent words (apshabd) are used during his shows," Aparna Yadav stated in her letter.
The letter further reads: “Hence, it is expected of you that you (DGP) please ensure that this proposed programme and in similar programmes of stand-up artists, neither any indecent words nor any undignified comments are made on women. If possible, then such shows should be cancelled, and not permitted in the future."
Ranveer Allahbadia, a podcaster, recently generated public outcry with his obscene comments on Samay Raina's YouTube program 'India's Got Latent', which seems to have impacted the decision.
For the unversed, Bassi was not part of the controversial episode. However, the backlash has led to increased scrutiny of comedy shows and stricter rules being applied.
About Anubhav Singh Bassi
Anubhav Singh Bassi is a 32-year-old law graduate from Lucknow. He started his stand-up comedy career in 2017 and has since built a large social media following. He also appeared in the Luv Ranjan film 'Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar', playing the role of Ranbir Kapoor's on-screen friend.