In a significant development reflecting the heightened sensitivity surrounding comedic content in India, actor and stand-up comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi’s scheduled performances in Lucknow were abruptly cancelled by local authorities. The Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission (UPSWC) intervened, expressing concerns over potential derogatory remarks about women in his acts.

On February 14, UPSWC Vice-Chairperson Aparna Yadav addressed a letter to Deputy General of Police Prashant Kumar, urging preventive measures against Bassi’s shows if they contained indecent language. She emphasized the importance of maintaining public decorum, especially regarding content that could be perceived as disrespectful towards women. Yadav stated, “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 his YouTube channel, it has been noted that indecent words are used during his 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

In response, Assistant Commissioner of Police Radha Raman Singh cited security concerns and the potential for public unrest as reasons for denying the necessary No Objection Certificate for the event. This preemptive action underscores the authorities’ cautious approach to events that might incite public discord.

This incident occurs in the wake of a recent controversy involving comedian Samay Raina and influencer Ranveer Allahbadia. Allahbadia’s contentious remarks on Raina’s YouTube show, “India’s Got Latent,” sparked widespread public outrage and led to multiple legal complaints. The backlash prompted Raina to remove all episodes of the show from his channel and issue a public statement expressing his intent to cooperate fully with investigative agencies. He conveyed his distress over the situation, stating, “Everything that is happening has been too much for me to handle. I have removed all ‘India’s Got Latent’ videos from my channel. My only objective was to make people laugh and have a good time.”

The swift actions against both Bassi and Raina highlight a growing trend of increased scrutiny over comedic content in India, particularly concerning material that may be deemed offensive or disrespectful. The public’s reaction has been polarized; while some advocate for artistic freedom, others emphasize the necessity of respecting societal norms and sensitivities.

As the discourse around the boundaries of comedy continues, these events serve as a reminder of the delicate balance artists must navigate between creative expression and cultural respect. The outcomes of these incidents may set significant precedents for the future of stand-up comedy and content creation in the country.