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NRI
comedian's Video On "YouTube" Under controversy in India-
Why?
New York, Jan 16, 2007
Gary Singh
Last Month, Gautham Prasad shot the video and he clad in Gandhi's
trademark attire, pole dancing and stripping for an audience. The
video link was under 'Time to get sexy' on YouTube.com
Today our press reporter contacted
Mr. Prasadhim and he said, "He did not decide to withdraw the
offending video-clip from
www.Youtube.com, since "it is harmless".
I made this video and posted it on the internet as a marketing tool
for my business as a performer. Let me discuss this video from the
point of view of clowning. If you look closely, you can
see that I am wearing a clown nose. Why is this? I do this
because I am not playing Mahatma Gandhi, I am playing a CHARACTER
who is playing Gandhiji. I am playing a fool who thinks it would
be a good idea to dress up like Gandhi and do this dance. In reality,
I'm making fun of myself. I realize this distinction may be difficult
to understand, but as a performer it is crucial."
Comedy is tragedy plus time. You take something painful and over
time you gain the maturity to laugh at it. That is what I have done.
Also, throughout history clowns have been the only individuals able
to comment on the upper classes. Nobody is above parody, and the
clowns would parody kings and monarchs with no consequences.
- Furthermore, if Gandhiji were alive today what would he find
more upsetting, my video or the violence in Darfur?
- What would hurt him more, my video, or the violence in Iraq?
- We have become so intent on idolizing Gandhiji that we have
forgotten what he said, "Be the change you wish to
see in the world."
- We have confused the messenger with the message. If we truly
want to honor him, we must uphold the principles he lived and
died for.
- We must embody peace, compassion, and non-violence. So many
of the people who criticize my video have threatened to stone
me, hit me, or kill me. I don't think Gandhiji would approve.
- I encourage people to tell me how they feel about the video.
Let them respond honestly, but remember that there are much more
pressing issues in the world than a video that one can choose
not to watch. I encourage those who did not like the video to
tell their friends and family not to watch it. If they so choose,
they have my support in telling the Indian government to ban the
video from India entirely. It was not my intention to offend,
only to entertain. Thank you for this opportunity to speak.
All of the feedback I have received from this video has been positive
up until now. I opened my email inbox to 108 new emails, many of
them criticizing my work, and many of them supporting me. "My
intention was to entertain people. I have great respect for Gandhiji.
I apologize if I offended anybody with the video," a web portal
quoted comedian Gautham Prasad as saying.
Controversy in India:
According to media group in India:
- Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, saw members of Gandhi Sena holding
a silent protest, Varanasi saw a more violent one. Students of
Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, stopped a train from leaving
the Varanasi station and threatened to call for a state-wide shutdown,
while the silent protesters demanded action against Gautham Prasad.
Children also joined the protest by singing religious songs.
- On Thursday, two Indian news channels showed the offensive clip
that led to Information and Broadcasting Ministry ordering legal
action against them. The Ministry also demanded profound apology
to the nation, by both the channels. The video shows Prasad, posing
as Mahatma Gandhi in violent and obscene postures.
- The two channels had issued statements on Friday clarifying
that they had not intended to hurt sentiments.
Conclusion
After survey, most of the NRIs said:
- As long as creator of the video has apologised, Indian Govt.
should not waste time on these minor topics.
- YouTube video may be poking fun at an international icon,
but does it break a law or convention
- Do we have jurisdiction over the maker of the video?
All qualified people know that we should follow the message of
Gandhi, not worship him
Watch this clip and what you think:
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