Gurgaon comedy festival drops Munawar Faruqui, Haryana BJP IT cell head files fresh complaint

After his various shows got cancelled in several cities due to ‘pressure’ on event organisers and venue hosts, now, the organisers of the Gurgaon Comedy Festival have dropped the stand-up comedian from their line-up of performers citing “public safety”.

According to reports, the organisers received “repeated calls” and messages online opposing Faruqui’s participation over the past two days. The festival is slated from December 17-19 at Airia Mall.

Mubin Tisekar, the co-founder of The Entertainment Factory who is organising the 3day long event said that they did not want to hurt anyone’s sentiments or “put the public in danger", adding that, for them, the safety of artists and the public is a priority.

Meanwhile, Arun Yadav, Haryana head of BJP’s IT department, on Monday, filed a police complaint against the comedian, accusing him of insulting Hindu gods and goddesses. He also urged police to ensure that Munawar doesn’t perform.

Faruqui’s 12 shows got cancelled in two months over alleged threats of vandalism. The stand-up comedian hinted in a post on social media that he will quit comedy.

Also watch | 'I am done! Goodbye! INJUSTICE': comedian Munawar Faruqui hints at quitting comedy