India’s Got Latent is embroiled in controversy once again after a contestant, who previously joked about Deepika Padukone’s struggle with depression, made another inappropriate remark—this time about the Kolkata rape-murder case. The incident has sparked outrage across social media, with both the comedian and the show being heavily criticized.
Outrage Over Kolkata Rape-Murder Joke
Stand-up comedian Bunty Banerjee faced severe backlash for a joke referencing the heinous rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. In a viral video, Banerjee remarked,
“Whenever there’s a tense situation, the Bengali in me sleeps and Bihari wakes up.” She also poked fun at candlelight marches held in protest of such crimes, saying, “Bengalis are sleeping! Let them. Must be tired from holding candle marches.”
While the joke had the judges laughing, it struck a nerve with social media users, many of whom deemed it insensitive and inappropriate.
She cooked the whole community. pic.twitter.com/E5Ljgeh6Yr
— Harry (@harryyshitpost) November 18, 2024
Social Media Reaction
Outrage quickly spread online, with users calling out Banerjee for mocking a sensitive issue that had led to nationwide protests. One user criticized,
“So this lady mocks depression and now ridicules Bengalis for standing against heinous crimes. It’s appalling that such cringeworthy behavior gets applause.”
Another user defended the Bengali community, writing,
“The same candle marches she mocks are efforts to protect women. If, God forbid, something happens to her, these marches will fight for her justice.”
So this lady, claiming to be a comedian, at one point of her show,mocks depression and at another point ,ridicules Bengalis for holding candlelight marches to protest heinous crimes. It’s appalling that people think such cringeworthy behavior deserves applause. The joke’s on…
— 𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓴𝓪𝓻 (@yansan) November 19, 2024
Insensitivity aside, the joke (if it was a joke) was so lame.
Are the judges laughing with her? Or laughing at her?— দৈনিক কালকেতু (@Dainik_Kalketu) November 19, 2024
After 3 months for continuously fighting on streets, rallies, hunger strikes, torch rallies, cycle rallies, candle marches. After seeing the crying faces of the victim’s parents, after days and days of fighting and screaming, this “joke” feels very insensitive and demeaning.
I’m… pic.twitter.com/W4FK299W7t— Dr. Anusmita Mukherjee (@anusmita2000) November 19, 2024
Insensitivity aside, the joke (if it was a joke) was so lame.
Are the judges laughing with her? Or laughing at her?— দৈনিক কালকেতু (@Dainik_Kalketu) November 19, 2024
As if mocking depression wasn’t enough, this is new low 😑 pic.twitter.com/ribZSortRJ
— Van | Metavee Apologist (@_VanMiho_) November 19, 2024
Previous Controversy
This isn’t the first time Banerjee has come under fire. She recently faced criticism for a joke about Deepika Padukone’s mental health struggles, which many found distasteful. Judge Samay Raina also faced backlash for his casual reaction to the joke, raising questions about the show’s handling of sensitive topics.
Divided Opinions
While some found Banerjee’s jokes distasteful, others pointed out a deeper problem: the normalization of mocking serious issues under the guise of humor. Critics argue that such behavior trivializes critical matters like mental health and gender-based violence.
As the backlash continues, the show’s creators and participants are under pressure to address the growing outrage. What are your thoughts on this controversy? Share your opinions below.
