Lyricist Javed Akhtar compares slang in comedy to ‘chilli in bland food’, sparks online debate
February 11, 2025: New Delhi:
Amid the ongoing backlash against podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia over his controversial remarks on a roast show, an old video of renowned lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar sharing his thoughts on the use of slang and profanity in comedy has resurfaced and gone viral.
In a previous episode of the Chill Sesh podcast, Akhtar engaged in a discussion with stand-up comedians Sapan Verma, Biswa Kalyan Rath, and Shreeja Chaturvedi, where he was asked about the normalization of slang and cursing in comedy performances.
Javed Akhtar on ‘Gaali’ in Comedy
During the discussion, Biswa Kalyan Rath questioned Akhtar on whether using slang or curse words in comedy is acceptable.
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“When we do comedy, we use slang, and people laugh. Gradually, it becomes a habit. We don’t feel bad about it, even though others might. What is your perspective? Is slang acceptable in the context of comedy?” Rath asked.
Akhtar responded with his signature storytelling style, comparing profanity in language to excessive spice in food.
“In places with poverty, like Odisha, Bihar, or even Mexico, people eat lots of chilli because the food is bland. To get some taste, they eat chilli. ‘Gaali’ is the chilli of language. If you can speak well and have wit, you don’t need this chilli. But if the conversation is bland, you will put some gaalis in it.”
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His analogy drew applause and laughter from the panel, with Sapan Verma humorously remarking that Akhtar had poetically insulted comedians.
Chaturvedi then asked about double-meaning lyrics in songs, wondering if they served as a release for some audiences.
Akhtar dismissed the notion, responding, “What kind of people must they be? They need a psychiatrist, not a song. Who gets relief by listening to vulgar songs? The idea itself is frightening.”
Ranveer Allahbadia’s Roast Controversy
The resurfaced video comes at a time when Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, is facing severe criticism for an inappropriate remark made during India’s Got Latent, a roast show hosted by Raina.
In a now-viral clip, Allahbadia asked a contestant:
“Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?”
The remark has led to a massive online uproar, reigniting debates about the limits of mature content in comedy shows that are available on streaming platforms. Critics argue that such content, accessible to all age groups, can have a negative impact on young audiences.
Additionally, Allahbadia now faces a police case, and a Parliamentary committee has taken note of the controversy, with discussions of possibly summoning him.
Following the backlash, Allahbadia issued a public apology, acknowledging that comedy is not his forte and that his comment was a lapse in judgment.
The Larger Debate on Comedy and Censorship
The controversy surrounding Allahbadia’s roast remarks and Javed Akhtar’s views on profanity in comedy have reignited discussions on the role of comedy in society, the fine line between humor and offensiveness, and the need for regulation of mature content on streaming platforms.
As conversations continue, Akhtar’s words serve as a reminder of the power of wit and language in entertainment, highlighting the balance between creativity and responsibility in comedy.
Tags:
Javed Akhtar, Ranveer Allahbadia controversy, BeerBiceps roast, stand-up comedy debate, profanity in comedy, comedy censorship, India’s Got Latent, Bollywood lyricists, social media controversy, OTT content regulation