- By Srishti Pandey
- Sun, 16 Feb 2025 09:45 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Stand-up comedian and actor Anubhav Singh Bassi's scheduled shows in Lucknow were cancelled by the police following a letter from the Uttar Pradesh State Women's Commission. The commission raised concerns about the use of inappropriate language in his performances and requested authorities to take action.
Aparna Yadav, the vice-chairperson of the UP State Women's Commission, wrote to the Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar on February 14, urging him to ensure that Bassi’s shows did not include remarks that could be considered derogatory towards women. She stated that his past performances, as seen on YouTube, contained indecent language. The letter also recommended that such shows be cancelled entirely if necessary.
The letter read: “It has been noted that Anubhav Singh Bassi’s comedy shows contain indecent words. Therefore, the DGP is requested to ensure that such content is not used in his scheduled show on February 15 in Lucknow or any future events. If such language is likely to be used, these shows should not be permitted.”
According to a report by India Today, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Radha Raman Singh stated that the decision was taken due to concerns over security and the potential for public protests. Organizers were reportedly denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC), effectively leading to the cancellation of the shows.
Uttar Pradesh Women's Commission lodged their protest against comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi ahead of his event in Lucknow today, by writing a letter to DGP Prashant Kumar. pic.twitter.com/aIrgbCoHP6
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 15, 2025
While Bassi has yet to comment on the matter, social media platforms have been buzzing with reactions. Many users on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) believe that Bassi’s cancellation is an indirect consequence of the recent controversy involving Ranveer Allahbadia on Samay Raina’s India’s Got Latent show. One user wrote, “Because of one person, now others will suffer. Genuine comedians who don’t cross the line will also get punished.” Another comment read, “This is the worst decision; people should be free to perform.” However, some supported the decision, stating that jokes using inappropriate language should be restricted.
Recently, influencer Ranveer Allahbadia came under fire for making a joke about sex and parents on India’s Got Latent. His remarks sparked outrage, leading to multiple complaints against him and other influencers present on the show, including Samay Raina, Apoorva Mukhija, and Ashish Chanchlani. The controversy escalated further when Mumbai police recorded statements in the case, and Allahbadia claimed he was receiving death threats. His mother’s clinic was also allegedly invaded by individuals pretending to be clients.
Apoorva Mukhija’s friends also revealed that she has been receiving rape threats online, and Ashish Chanchlani decided to step back from hosting a screening of Captain America: Brave New World amid the backlash. As of now, Anubhav Singh Bassi has not addressed the cancellation of his Lucknow shows.
