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Gaurav Gupta Jokes "Hanuman Chalisa Padho Ab" to Pakistani Audience in Stand-Up
Updated on: 02 June, 2025 11:03 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Gaurav Gupta
In an atmosphere marked by heightened India-Pakistan tensions following a recent terror attack, a moment from Indian comedian Gaurav Gupta`s US-Canada comedy tour has ignited online discussion. An interaction with a Pakistani audience member during his show on Sunday has drawn a spectrum of reactions, highlighting the delicate intersection of comedy and current events.
Addressing the Pakistani attendee, Gupta remarked, “Brother, you have a lot of guts coming to the show. He thought artistes were banned, but audience members are still allowed.” He then added with a laugh, “Chalo, tum Hanuman Chalisa padho ab” (“Go on, recite the Hanuman Chalisa now”).
The comedian continued by asking the man if he understood his jokes. Following this, Gupta made a subtle reference to the ongoing Kashmir issue, stating, “Toh tumhe samajh nahi aata, nahi milega tumhe? Itne saalon se keh rahe hain – nahi milega, phir aa jaate ho tum” (“So you don’t understand? You won’t get it. We’ve been saying it for years – still, you keep coming.”)
Also Read: YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Arrested For Spying During Operation Sindoor
However, the exchange also faced criticism. One person expressed their disapproval, writing, “So disappointed. He could have used this opportunity to celebrate in a positive manner. What he did was used back handed comedy. Disappointed.”
Another user offered a different perspective, stating, "The same people who cry ‘disrespect’ over comedy were silent during Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor. They never stood for the nation but get offended over a roast? So they can kill, and we can’t even mock them? These are the ones who celebrate fake victories after losing. You couldn’t even stand up for your country — and now you’re the one saying, ‘This shouldn’t be done’? Wow."
This incident occurs against a backdrop of strained relations, particularly after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths. In its aftermath, India blocked the social media access of some Pakistani artists and banned the film ‘Abir Gulaal’.
Gaurav Gupta, known for his observational comedy often centred on Baniya culture and middle-class life, rose to prominence as a finalist on "The Great Indian Laughter Challenge" in 2017. His US-Canada tour continues amidst this unexpected viral moment.
Also Read: RC Exclusive: Comedian Atul Khatri Opens Up On India`s Got Latent Controversy
An Unexpected Encounter Onstage
Gaurav Gupta, currently on a tour that began May 30 in Atlanta and continued to Chicago, found himself in an unscripted exchange. During his performance, Gupta asked a man in the audience about his origin. Upon learning the man was from Pakistan, the situation quickly drew attention. Some members of the crowd began chanting “Sindoor,” a reference to “Operation Sindoor,” a recent Indian military action. Gaurav promptly intervened, requesting the audience not to misbehave.Addressing the Pakistani attendee, Gupta remarked, “Brother, you have a lot of guts coming to the show. He thought artistes were banned, but audience members are still allowed.” He then added with a laugh, “Chalo, tum Hanuman Chalisa padho ab” (“Go on, recite the Hanuman Chalisa now”).
The comedian continued by asking the man if he understood his jokes. Following this, Gupta made a subtle reference to the ongoing Kashmir issue, stating, “Toh tumhe samajh nahi aata, nahi milega tumhe? Itne saalon se keh rahe hain – nahi milega, phir aa jaate ho tum” (“So you don’t understand? You won’t get it. We’ve been saying it for years – still, you keep coming.”)
Also Read: YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Arrested For Spying During Operation Sindoor
Online Reactions
The clip of this interaction quickly spread, eliciting a wide array of responses from viewers. Many fans praised Gupta`s handling of the situation. One supporter wrote, “He was hesitating while roasting him... but he still did it gracefully.” Another comment highlighted a specific joke: “Nahi Milega was brilliant.”However, the exchange also faced criticism. One person expressed their disapproval, writing, “So disappointed. He could have used this opportunity to celebrate in a positive manner. What he did was used back handed comedy. Disappointed.”
Another user offered a different perspective, stating, "The same people who cry ‘disrespect’ over comedy were silent during Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor. They never stood for the nation but get offended over a roast? So they can kill, and we can’t even mock them? These are the ones who celebrate fake victories after losing. You couldn’t even stand up for your country — and now you’re the one saying, ‘This shouldn’t be done’? Wow."
This incident occurs against a backdrop of strained relations, particularly after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths. In its aftermath, India blocked the social media access of some Pakistani artists and banned the film ‘Abir Gulaal’.
Gaurav Gupta, known for his observational comedy often centred on Baniya culture and middle-class life, rose to prominence as a finalist on "The Great Indian Laughter Challenge" in 2017. His US-Canada tour continues amidst this unexpected viral moment.
Also Read: RC Exclusive: Comedian Atul Khatri Opens Up On India`s Got Latent Controversy
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