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Subhash K Jha (DNA; May 31, 2016)

Enlarge ImageBollywood has erupted against self-styled stand-up comedian Tanmay Bhat of All India Backchod (AIB) for putting out an insult video that shows him use FaceSwap to depict Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar debate over Virat Kohli. Shatrughan Sinha isn’t amused.

A livid Sinha says, “They’ve insulted the greatest singer of the country. To make such a cheap video featuring her is bad enough. To add Sachin to the mix, adds insult to injury.”

He recommends that the strictest action be taken against Bhat and AIB. “They have to be dealt with severely so that other people are not encouraged to insult the heroes and icons of the nation. These people already have a slew of cases pending against them for their so-called Roast with Karan Johar. Zaraa inki himmat dekho! From their vulgar antics on stage, they’ve moved on to insulting two of our country’s greatest heroes.”

He adds, “I’ll recommend fast-track criminal cases against him. What he’s done is a humiliation for the entire nation. I hang my head in shame at the kind of mudslinging being perpetrated in the name of humour.”

Sinha also strongly recommends censorship on the internet. “Don’t get me wrong. I am all for freedom of expression. But freedom to express should not be confused with the freedom to insult anyone; least of all, icons like Lataji and Sachin. Censorship is important in our country where freedom of expression is grossly misused.”

He concludes. “I recommend the strongest criminal action against Tanmay for insulting two Bharat Ratnas.”