13TH January, 2016 is marked as a black day in the Film & TV industry, a day on which noted actor/comedian Kiku Sharda, was arrested in public from the sets of Comedy Nites with Kapil on which ironically was the last shoot day of the show. FWICE, CINTAA, FWA & all other affiliates of FWICE condemn this irresponsible and dangerous act that has sent shivers down the spines of the entire creative industry.
What was the crime committed? Spoofing a public figure, who happens to be a spiritual guru in Haryana, and also an actor and performer who has acted in two movies based on his own life.
What is the scope and ambit of Section 295A ? Where are the safeguards for actors/comedians like Kiku, who merely perform to a written script, that is provided to them, by a team of writers, hired by a producer, on the instructions of a broadcaster, and directed by a director? Is this a collusive crime of all concerned parties? Is there any malicious intention established or proven in any court of law, under section 295A?
If no, then why was Kiku arrested? If yes, then the law definitely needs to be changed, amended, modified, clarified, well defined or even repealed! This act is a direct violation of the fundamental right of a citizen of India to his/her freedom of speech and expression and is a serious violation of human rights.
FWICE & the entire industry stand together with Kiku Sharda, to protest against the horrific treatment meted out to him by the authorities, treating him on par with a common criminal.
The current situation is that akin to a sword of Damocles, held above the head of the victim, which could fall at any time, leaving an entire industry to live in insecurity, and a creative person equated with a criminal!
A the media meet organised to protest on the same, writers, actors, and association members geared in large numbers to stand up for Kiku Sharda. Amit Behl, Kamlesh Pandey, Aashish Rego, Dilip Pithwa, Manoj and Seema Pahwa, Ashutosh Rana, Renuka Shahane, Deepak Qazir, Lubna Salim, Salim Arif, Harsh Chaya, Vrajesh Hirji, Nasirr Khan, Dillzan Wadia, Zama Habib, Sunil Sinha, Sunil Matoo, Ramesh Goel, Akashaditya Lama, besides Om Puri on the telecom supported the cause.
Said Aashish Rego, treasurer, FWICE, “an immediate change is necessary and the FWICE & its affiliates will not rest till this atmosphere of fear that has enveloped the creative industry is erased.”
Added Dilip Pithwa, General Secretary, FWICE, “it all happened so suddenly to Kiku, that we were taken completely aback, but today we are together here and the next time, anything like this happens to any of us, all industry associations with all our members will stand in front of the authorities and demand justice. We will not let this happen again to any of us.”
Says Amit Behl, Chairman, Disputes Committee of CINTAA and Sr VP FWICE, “we are with you Kiku, all of us with all our strength. And you will find us behind you at every step.”
Added Kamlesh Pandey, “So Kiku did a standup comedy on a fellow actor and a member of CINTAA and Writers association, Ram Rahim, and he is said to have offended sentiments. He got arrested suddenly and whisked away to an unknown destination. So, as a writer and a citizen of India, I feel hurt by this act of the Haryana police. Do I have the right to file an FIR against the Haryana police and those who did this as it affected my sentiments?”
Added Vrajesh Hirji, “I have known Kiku from over 13 years. He imitated a fellow actor, Ram Rahim, but he is an insaan and not bhagwan. And there was no intent or attempt to demean a godman or any sect. It was merely an act of an actor on a fellow actor.”
Writer Salim Arif added, “an actor merely enacts. He is not the creator or the writer or the designer of the concept that he enacts. Why was he singled out and arrested like this? When it was telecast on a channel that even censors our abuses with beeps, obviously the act passed censor guidelines.”
Zama Habib, Jt Sec, Writers’ Association expressed his solidarity with the cause, while Ashutosh Rana simply raised a question, “is it right? And I would like the media to ask the same.” Renuka Shahane reminded every one that “mimicry is about imitation. And Kiku Sharda is good human being. My kids study in the same school as Kiku’s kids. And And now, kids in the school discuss Kiku’arrest. How will his family feel at this when an innocent actor, a performer arrested this way? If such misuse of law prevails, we will have to think twice before stepping out of our homes,” she said.
Kiku Sharda had the last word. “I felt very alone when this happened. It shocked me as I had apologized on twitter the next morning after I got feedback. It was not that I was scared. As an entertainer, I rethink on my words even if a kid complains to me at the mall. I am so careful because I want to make people laugh, I want to make them smile. There is no question of me intending to hurt anyone, ever.”
