While the barrage of sexual harassment allegations against the owner of High Spirits Pune, Khodu Irani, continue to pour in, comics give their opinion on the sexism rampant on the performing circuit.
Comedians and musicians have often been the voice of protest against social evils — whether it comes to championing causes against corruption or sexual harassment. However, the performing arts circuit itself is not without its discrepancies, as has become apparent through the multiple sexual harassment cases that have been levied against Khodu Irani, the owner of High Spirits, a performance venue in Pune.
The venue’s ‘bro culture’ itself has been put under the scanner by patrons, comics and musicians alike. The issue was thrown into limelight when lifestyle blogger Sheena Dabolkar shared a post on Twitter, calling out the owner of the pub for allegedly sexually harassing his patrons and several members, who have performed at the venue. Following her confession, several other women also came forward with a flood of allegations are reminiscent of the not-too-old Harvey Weinstein case.
The latest to speak up is comedian Tanmay Bhat, who said that he himself had been groped by Khodu while onstage.
No matter what the context, sexual harassment being passed off as humour is a cause for alarm, and many comedians are speaking up against the issue, including some of them swearing off performing at the venue.
“I think looking for more voices to speak up at this point is like looking to put more peanut butter in a perfectly good peanut butter sandwich. Now it is the time for action. Safety is paramount, and I would not want anyone who comes to my show to think that being groped is a part of the comic experience,” says comedian Karan Talwar, who has already voiced his displeasure about the entire scenario on Twitter.
“Khodu needs to undergo counselling. Why does he need to be funny by grabbing someone — whether that’s a woman or Tanmay Bhat? Khodu not the comedian there; he’s the owner. Only if he acknowledges his faults, promises to reform, and actually takes steps to make the space a safe one for women, would we, as performers go back to performing there,” says an outraged Kunal Kamra decidedly.
Karan goes a step further to say that a removal is in order. “This case should be dealt with in manner similar to the Arunabh Kumar and TVF case. An investigation and removal should be the way to go. Just because you are the owner of a place, doesn’t give you the right to do whatever you want,” he says.
Neeti Palta
Daniel Fernandes, who has been associated with High Spirits for a while now, is in shock. However, he is slightly more cautious to condemn. “I’m sure that these issues that have come to light will be addressed. The management needs to take the steps necessary and look into these allegations. I have been a long-time performer at High Spirits like many others, but I think that it’s best to let the case be sorted out between the aggrieved party and accused before making any hasty comments,” he explains.
Comedienne Neeti Palta is also on board with the other performers who have decided to forego High Spirits. “There is a thing as trial by media and I was ready to give Khodu the benefit of a doubt. However, just this morning I saw on one of the screen-grabs that the women have shared that he says he patted a woman’s bottom and says that he did not mean it sexually. No, I don’t think any of us will be going there,” she asserts.
Although Khodu’s case is not one to be overlooked, it is not the only instance of discrimination against female performers, adds Neeti. “If a woman is a comedienne, people automatically assume that because she’s open about things onstage, she will be the same off-stage. I’ve had guys come up to me after shows, trying to be funny and cracking very crass jokes that maybe they wouldn’t crack in front of another lady,” she confesses.
Karan adds that Indian comedy, especially certain Hindi shows, definitely have sexist undertones. “I think that the only solution is that a new generation of comedians need to come up to create a more equitable field. Till then, can we at least stop grabbing people against their will?” he concludes on an ironic note.
