'Should be forgiven': Swanand Kirkire on Samay-Ranveer's 'Latent' row
What's the story
Amid the raging controversy over YouTuber-podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia's comments on Samay Raina's India's Got Latent, lyricist-singer Swanand Kirkire has asked for forgiveness.
At Sahitya Aaj Tak 2025 in Lucknow, he said Allahbadia has already apologized and should be pardoned.
"Now, they should be forgiven; apologies have already been made," Kirkire said.
The controversy started after Allahbadia joked about watching/joining parents during intercourse, earning multiple FIRs for "obscene content."
Public decorum
Kirkire emphasized on maintaining decorum in public conversations
Kirkire said, "A certain decorum should be maintained. What actually happened is that cameras became a part of our lives, and we didn't even realize the difference between conversations meant for friends and those meant for family."
"There are many things in this country and the world that should never have been said, yet they were, and they were wrong. Our country has given them the punishment they deserved, and they have even apologized with tears."
Comedy perspective
Kirkire's views on comedy and content creation
Kirkire also shared his views on comedy, saying it doesn't always mean roasting or humiliating someone.
He warned that irresponsible behavior by content creators could lead to legal restrictions, silencing many voices.
"Comedy doesn't just mean roasting or humiliating someone. If someone is roasting others just to gain fame, and another person agrees to be roasted for the same reason, it doesn't make either act right."
Legal proceedings
Allahbadia's legal battle and support from celebrities
Notably, Allahbadia is currently locked in a legal battle. He has approached the Supreme Court to club the FIRs against him.
He has also reported attempts by people impersonating patients to barge into his mother's clinic amid death threats to him and his family.
He had apologized for his comments on February 10.
Despite the controversy, several celebrities including Bharti Singh, Munawar Faruqui, Aly Goni, and Rakhi Sawant have supported Allahbadia and India's Got Latent.