Images : newstracklive and galleryhip.com
‘Comedy Nights With Kapil’ actor Kiku Sharda aka ‘Palak’ was arrested for mimicking Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on his show and has been sent to 14 days judicial custody in Kaithal, Haryana. The actor has gone on to apologize
The apology has not stopped him from being arrested, granted bail and then re-arrested again. Kiku had even clarified, the choice of mimicking Gurmeet Singh was not a one he could make and he is at the mercy of the producers. A similar argument which Aamir Khan’s sympathizers had made for the flak he received for PK. Be it Kikku or Aamir, they became scapegoats of outrage which was supposedly to be directed towards producers and directors whilst the actors merely play the role which they are paid for.
Article 19 of the Indian constitution and 295(A) of the penal code continue to pull the country in opposite directions. Article 19 guarantees freedom of speech and expression for Indian citizens (not absolute) whilst 295 (A) of the Indian Penal code is ” outraging religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious belief”. Both point to two completely different directions and in a ideal society Article 19 should stay and 295 A should not exist. The existence of 295 A depends on how much as citizens get outraged. It is highly desired we all accept each other’s opinions but in case if certain comments sparks outrage, let it be directed towards the right people. And that is why Kiku is innocent and if any outrage exists at all and justified should be directed towards the producers of the show and not the actor.
