Munawar Faruqui's participation in Kangana's 'Lock Upp' leaves netizens baffled
Actor Kangana Ranaut is all set to debut as a host in the upcoming reality show Lock Upp. Before its premiere on February 27, makers have been introducing the participants one by one. After announcing television actor Nisha Rawal as the first contestant, comedian Munawar Faruqui was announced on Tuesday as the second participant. The announcement has left netizens baffled. Here's why.
Faruqui's canceled shows highlighted in teaser
In the teaser clip shared by ALTBalaji earlier on Tuesday, we saw Faruqui setting up his microphone stand to deliver a stand-up performance. However, he soon gets transported to Lock Upp's jail as "Inmate No. 02." The caption reads: "Shows huye hain inke cancel. Kya chalenge 'Lock Upp' mein inke plans? [His shows have been getting canceled. Will his plans work in Lock Upp?]"
Here's Faruqui's teaser clip for the show
What makes Faruqui a controversial celebrity?
Notably, on January 1, 2021, Faruqui and others were accused of mocking Hindu deities at an Indore comedy show, leading to their arrest. The Indore Police mentioned they had no evidence to prove the allegations brought against Faruqui. Yet, the comedian's bail took over a month. Later in November, Faruqui revealed that multiple of his shows were getting canceled due to threats of vandalism.
Faruqui has mocked Ranaut in the past
Since Ekta Kapoor's show is going to feature only "India's most controversial celebrities," Faruqui fits right in. But the hullabaloo regarding his participation is elsewhere. You see, Faruqui, who has frequently mocked India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, has also often dissed Ranaut, a vocal supporter of the party. These snide remarks have been made at comedy shows or on social media.
After receiving bail, Faruqui's first tweet had taunted Ranaut
Netizens hailed Kapoor for bringing Faruqui, Ranaut together
As soon as Faruqui's participation was announced, both he and Ranaut started trending on Twitter along with Lock Upp. One user said: "Hey middle-class people. #KanganaRanuat and #MunawarFaruqui are in the same show. Meanwhile, your kids are getting radicalized and unemployed. Get your priorities sorted." Others praised Kapoor for bringing them together. We will get to see their equation once Lock Upp premieres.
