India News

Javed Akhtar’s take on slang in comedy goes viral amid Ranveer Allahbadia controversy

Published

2 years ago

February 11, 2025

A video of veteran poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar discussing the use of slang in comedy has resurfaced amid the backlash against podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia over his controversial remarks at a roast show. The discussion, which originally took place in an episode of Chill Sesh last year, featured Akhtar in conversation with comedians Sapan Verma, Biswa Kalyan Rath, and Shreeja Chaturvedi.

Javed Akhtar’s insight on slang in comedy

During the chat, Biswa Kalyan Rath asked Akhtar about the increasing use of slang and expletives in stand-up comedy. “When we perform, we use slang, and people find it funny. Over time, it becomes a habit, and we may not feel bad about it, but others might. What is your perspective? Is slang acceptable in comedy?” Rath inquired.

Akhtar responded with a characteristic blend of wit and wisdom. “I’ll tell you something. In regions like Odisha, Bihar, and even in Mexico, where poverty exists, people tend to eat a lot of chili because the food lacks flavor. To make it taste better, they add spice. Similarly, expletives are the ‘chili’ of language. If you are articulate and witty enough, you don’t need that extra spice. When conversations lack depth, people resort to slang and gaalis,” he explained, drawing applause from the audience.

Sapan Verma jokingly remarked that Akhtar had just delivered a poetic insult to stand-up comedians, adding, “We feel bad, but also kind of good.”

Double-meaning lyrics and vulgarity in entertainment

Shreeja Chaturvedi further questioned Akhtar about his views on songs with double meanings and whether they serve as an emotional release. “Is it not an outlet for some people, or is it just bad?” she asked.

Akhtar didn’t mince words in his response. “What kind of people need relief from listening to vulgar songs? They need a psychiatrist, not music. Who genuinely finds solace in such songs? The thought itself is alarming,” he asserted.

Ranveer Allahbadia’s controversial remarks spark outrage

The resurfaced discussion comes at a time when Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, has found himself at the center of controversy. A clip from the show India’s Got Latent, hosted by Raina, went viral after Allahbadia posed an inappropriate question to 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 sparked widespread backlash, with many raising concerns about explicit content in comedy shows available on streaming platforms. Critics argue that such content, often accessible to children, can have negative influences. Additionally, discussions have emerged around racist undertones in comedy, which some fear could contribute to social divisions.

Legal and parliamentary scrutiny on Allahbadia

Following the outrage, Allahbadia is now facing legal trouble, with a police case filed against him. A Parliamentary committee has also taken note of the matter and may summon him for questioning. In response, the podcaster has issued a public apology, admitting that comedy is not his forte and that his remark was a lapse in judgment.

As debates around the boundaries of humor and responsibility in digital entertainment continue, Javed Akhtar’s insights on language and expression in comedy have once again become relevant in the ongoing discourse.

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India News

Rescue operation underway after water surge traps workers in Chamoli tunnel

At least 10 workers are believed to be trapped after a sudden surge of water and debris entered a tunnel at a THDC project site in Chamoli.

Published

12 hours ago

August 13, 2026

APNLive Desk

At least 10 workers are believed to be trapped after water and debris entered a tunnel at a Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) project site in Pipalkoti in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. A rescue operation is underway.

According to police, 18 labourers were working inside the tunnel when a sudden surge of water occurred. The strong current swept several workers towards the tunnel’s exit, according to a preliminary report.

Eight workers have been rescued so far, while 10 are still believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.

“Additional ambulances have been dispatched to the site. Police and administrative teams have arrived at the location,” Chamoli Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Pawar said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to carry out rescue and relief operations on a war footing.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have also been dispatched to assist in the rescue operation.

India News

Delhi Metro to start services at 4 am on Independence Day

Delhi Metro will begin services at 4 am on August 15, with trains running every 30 minutes before regular services start.

Published

12 hours ago

August 13, 2026

APNLive Desk

Delhi Metro services will start at 4 am on August 15 to facilitate the movement of special guests, invitees and members of the public attending the Independence Day celebrations, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said on Thursday.

Metro trains will operate at 30-minute intervals on all lines from 4 am until regular revenue services begin according to the scheduled timetable for the day.

Special QR tickets for Independence Day invitees

The DMRC said 1.30 lakh special pre-vended QR tickets have been supplied to the Ministry of Defence for the travel of special guests and bona fide invitees attending the celebrations.

Invitees carrying valid physical admit cards issued by the Ministry of Defence will also be provided special pre-vended QR tickets at designated Metro stations to facilitate their travel.

The cost of journeys made using these special QR tickets will be reimbursed to the DMRC by the Ministry of Defence, the corporation said.

Nearest Metro stations to Red Fort

The Lal Quila, Jama Masjid and Delhi Gate Metro stations are the nearest stations to the venue of the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.

The early start of Metro services is aimed at facilitating the movement of people attending the celebrations on Independence Day.

India News

Bengal withdraws Banga Bibhushan from BJP MP Nagendra Ray over Netaji remarks

West Bengal has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan awarded to BJP MP Nagendra Ray after his controversial remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Published

12 hours ago

August 13, 2026

APNLive Desk

The West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan, the state’s highest civilian honour, from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, amid controversy over his remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The award was conferred on Ray on February 21, 2026, when the Mamata Banerjee government was in power. The state government said the honour recognises distinguished and exemplary contributions to the state and its people and carries a high degree of dignity and prestige.

Why Bengal withdrew the award

The decision came less than 24 hours after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed the police to take stringent action, including arrests, against people making derogatory remarks about Netaji on social media.

Adhikari had also said that the law would apply equally to MPs, MLAs and government officials.

The directive followed remarks by Ananta Maharaj in which he described Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned his leadership as well as the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s freedom struggle.

What the Bengal government said

In its order, the state government said that “certain facts and circumstances” had emerged that raised questions over Nagendra Ray’s continued retention of the honour.

The government said the competent authority had concluded that retaining the Banga Bibhushan was inconsistent with the dignity, prestige and purpose of the award.

It therefore withdrew and annulled the honour conferred upon Nagendra Ray on February 21, 2026, with immediate effect. The order did not specifically identify the particular offence behind the decision.

Who is Nagendra Ray?

Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, is a BJP Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal who hails from Cooch Behar in the northern part of the state and is a leader of the Rajbanshi community.

The withdrawal of the state honour comes amid controversy over his remarks concerning Netaji, a prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle and a revered personality in Bengal.