‘My work is done! Bye. INJUSTICE,’ says comedian Munawwar Farooqui after Bengaluru Police cancels stand-up show

Comedian Munawwar Farooqui issued a statement on social media indicating to give up stand-up comedy after Bengaluru police asked the organizers to cancel his stand-up show in Karnataka’s capital city on Sunday. The show was canceled stating that the program by a “controversial person” could lead to a potential law and order problem in light of threats from several organizations on social media. Farooqui’s ‘Dongri to Nowhere’ program was to be held in an auditorium in the city on Sunday.

Taking to his Instagram handle, he wrote, “Today Bangalore show got canceled (Under the Threats to Venue Vendalism). We sold 600+ tickets. Months ago my team called late Puneet Rajkumar sir organization for charity which we Going to generate this show in Bangalore! We have agreed not to sell the show in the name of charity as suggested by the noble organisation.”

He further shared that he had already had to close “12 shows in the last 2 months”. “By putting me in jail for a joke I never did to cancel my show, which has nothing to do with it. It’s unfair. This show has got a lot of love from people in India regardless of their religion. It’s unfair. We do have a censor certificate for the show and it’s clearly not a problem with the show! We have closed 12 shows in the last 2 months due to threats to the venue and the audience,” he said.

In the end, he wrote, “I think this is the end”, alluding to leaving stand-up comedy. “… I guess this is the end. My name is Munawwar Farooqui and it’s my time, you guys were amazing spectators. Goodbye! I’m done,” he wrote.

Along with the statement, he added the caption, “Hate won, artist lost. My work is done! Goodbye. Injustice.”

Farooqui and four others were arrested by Madhya Pradesh Police on January 1, following a complaint by BJP MLA Malini Laxman Singh Gaur’s son Eklavya Singh Gaur that the objectionable remarks about Hindu gods as well as Union Home Minister Amit Shah were a comedy. passed during the show. In a cafe in Indore on New Year’s Eve. He was later released on bail.

-any