AIB removes controversial video, says 'they're just jokes' (Lead)

Feb 04,2015

Mumbai, Feb 4 (IANS) After removing controversial videos of AIB Knockout -- a live filmed event -- following outrage, standup comedy group All India Bakchod (AIB) Wednesday posted an open letter explaining that the attempt was to "push the envelope of comedy" in the country with "just jokes".

The AIB team -- Gursimran Khamba, Tanmay Bhat, Rohan Joshi and Ashish Shakya -- via a 720-word letter posted on Twitter Wednesday, reached out to their fans and critics to explain why their decision to pull down the video was "pragmatic".

"They're just jokes. Unfunny, crass or whatever you want to call them, they're still just jokes," they said.

The letter comes after a three-part edited version of the 'Roast', titled AIB Knockout was posted on online video-sharing platform YouTube Jan 28.

AIB Knockout was a December 2014 charity comic event where filmmaker Karan Johar and a panel of comedians 'grilled' actors Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor on their personal and professional lives. The event raised over Rs.4 million and its videos went viral, sparking laughter in some and debate from others.

But the clips were pulled down Tuesday by AIB after Maharashtra Education and Culture Minister Vinod Tawde ordered a probe following complaints about the below-the-belt contents of the programme which was viewed by a 4,000-strong live audience, and which later generated over 8 million views on YouTube.

Even Brahman Ekta Seva Sanstha president Akhilesh Tiwari lodged a police complaint expressing anger at the programme hosts, who he said used abusive, offensive remarks loaded with sexual overtones during the comedy show.

Later, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena demanded an "unconditional public apology" from all those involved in the event, failing which the organisation would not allow their movies to be screened.

Stressing that "no one person or force forced us to take this video down", the AIB team said that while the idea was to "push the envelope of comedy in this country" in "our own juvenile, idiotic way, but then the envelope pushed back".

"Things got to a point where people who have supported us, people who work hard to make what we do come to life, were put in a position where things could get deeply unpleasant for them. And that's a problem," they added.

After the backlash, the AIB team received support from several Bollywood celebrities, who waxed eloquent against moral policing of the comedy event.

Tags:

AIB removes controversial video says 'they're just jokes' (Lead) Arjun Kapoor in news news about Arjun Kapoor Ranveer Singh in news news about Ranveer Singh Karan Johar in news news about Karan Johar

Mallika Sherawat rejected the role of Ishaan Khattar's mother, left this web series at the last moment

Apr 25,2024

Who does not know Mallika Sherawat, who entered Hindi cinema 21 years ago with the film Khwahish? Mallika, who created a sensation in the industry overnight with her intimate scenes in the film Murder with Emraan Hashmi, is now all set for a comeback. Recently she had signed pro

Pushpa 2: Good news for Allu Arjun's fans, a big surprise is waiting for the fans of 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'

Apr 25,2024

The audience is eagerly waiting for director Sukumar's film 'Pushpa 2'. A big surprise is waiting for the fans of Allu Arjun. The filmmakers showed a glimpse of the first song of the film 'Pushpa-Pushpa' on 24 April. Fans were very happy to

Salman Khan Firing Case: No relief for the accused in the firing case outside Salman's house, custody was extended till April 29

Apr 25,2024

The police presented both the accused in the court on Thursday in the firing case that took place on April 14 outside Galaxy Apartment, the Mumbai home of Bollywood actor Salman Khan. The court has extended the police custody of both the accused for four days. Now both

'I was all alone...', when Vidya Balan was publicly bullied, she was given such an award

Apr 25,2024

Vidya Balan does not need any identity in today's time. From films like Dirty Picture to Tumhari Sulu and Kahaani, the actress not only entertained her audience, but she also took the responsibility of a film without a hero on her shoulder

Kubera: Dhanush and Rashmika Mandanna shot 'Kuber' in Mumbai, video of both of them went viral from the set of the film.

Apr 25,2024

Dhanush and Rashmika Mandanna are shooting for their upcoming film 'Kuber' in Mumbai. A video of both of them going towards the shooting venue in their respective costumes is now going viral on social media. Rashmika Mandanna shared a pack-up shot on her Instagram page. 'Kuber' is a mu

Surya's Kanguva included in the most expensive films of the year, makers spent money like water

Apr 23,2024

The headlines have been in the news for a long time about South cinema superstar Surya Sivakumaran's film Kanguva. There is a huge hype among the fans about this movie of the actor and it has increased even more after the release of the teaser of this film. In such a situation,

Nora Fatehi: 'It seems like they have never seen', Nora Fatehi gets angry at paparazzi

Apr 23,2024

These days, paparazzi cover every activity of Bollywood stars. Take out their photos and videos. The conversations of stars with paparazzi also go viral on social media. Sometimes paparazzi also share some of their private pictures and videos on social media. Recently, many

War 2: Whom did Hrithik meet on the sets of 'War 2'? Has an old relationship with 'Vikram Vedha', and calls himself a big fan

Apr 19,2024

Hrithik Roshan remains in the news because of the film 'War 2'. This film is part of Yash Raj Spy Universe. The first part of the film received a lot of love from the audience. The songs of the film were also a big hit. The shooting of the second part of this f