Indian comedy circles are buzzing with controversy as popular comedian and actor Harsh Gujral finds himself at the center of a social media storm. The entertainer faced massive online backlash after making what many are calling a "sexist" and "unfunny" joke about women's skincare routines.
The Joke That Sparked the Fire
During one of his recent performances, Gujral attempted humor by contrasting the skincare habits of women and men from Kanpur. The comedian remarked that while women use expensive moisturizers, "Kanpur ke ladke mitti lagate hain" (boys from Kanpur use soil). What was intended as light-hearted banter quickly turned into a PR nightmare.
Social Media Erupts in Anger
Netizens didn't hold back their criticism, flooding social media platforms with angry responses. Many users called out the joke for perpetuating stereotypes and mocking women's personal choices.
"Since when did basic skincare become a joke?" wrote one frustrated user, while another commented, "Another day, another comedian thinking women's routines are fair game for lazy comedy."
The Bigger Problem in Comedy
This incident has reignited the ongoing conversation about sexist humor in Indian comedy circuits. Several social media users pointed out that this isn't an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern where comedians target women's preferences and habits for cheap laughs.
One Twitter user summarized the sentiment perfectly: "Comedy should punch up, not down. Making fun of women for taking care of themselves isn't comedy - it's lazy writing."
What This Means for Gujral's Career
While the comedian hasn't issued a formal apology yet, the intense backlash serves as a crucial reminder for content creators about the evolving standards of comedy. Audiences are increasingly calling out jokes that rely on stereotypes and target specific genders.
As the digital landscape becomes more aware and sensitive, Indian comedians might need to rethink their material and ensure their humor doesn't come at the expense of marginalized groups.
