Vir Das calls out ‘sheer hypocrisy’, asks Indian artists to support students before trying to sell them tickets
Comedian Vir Das has spoken about taking a stand for the ongoing student protest in New Delhi. According to him, fellow Indian live artists should
Comedian Vir Das has spoken about taking a stand for the ongoing student protest in New Delhi. According to him, fellow Indian live artists should support the dissent. The International Emmy Award winner has criticised staying silent while later selling tickets to youth. According to Das, audiences shouldn't be expected to show support selectively. “If you're an Indian live artist. I hope you understand the sheer hypocrisy of not speaking up for young people, and then trying to sell them tickets later,” Vir Das wrote. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 Why does Vir Das criticize fellow artists during the student protests in India? ⌵ Vir Das criticizes fellow artists for remaining silent about the student protests while later trying to sell tickets to the same youth. He calls this behavior hypocritical, emphasizing the need for artists to support the younger generation’s struggles. 2 How has Diljit Dosanjh expressed his support for the student protests? ⌵ Diljit Dosanjh has publicly joined the student protests, condemning police brutality and urging authorities to listen to students' demands.
He expressed that the voice of the people should be valued and treated with dignity. 3 What does Vir Das mean by saying the issue has moved beyond politics? ⌵ Vir Das suggests that the ongoing issue related to student protests transcends political affiliations and is fundamentally about supporting the youth’s needs and aspirations. 4 What reactions have there been on social media regarding celebrities' involvement in student protests? ⌵ Social media reactions include gratitude towards supportive celebrities like Vir Das and criticism of those who have remained silent. Users expressed that celebrity support is crucial and called for accountability from those who profit from youth without offering help. 5 Should Indian artists speak up for social issues according to Vir Das? ⌵ Yes, Vir Das believes Indian artists should actively speak up for social issues, particularly those affecting youth, instead of maintaining a stance of political neutrality, which he considers a comfortable evasion. He argues India's concert economy relies on young people's collective backing. Some artists claim political neutrality, which Das called comfortable evasion.
The standup comedian respects individual choices but questions that reasoning openly. Das insists that this issue has now moved beyond politics entirely. “I get that 'you're not political' which is subtext for 'I'm really comfortable'. I always look at those statements and think, do you, buddy. But today humbly, I'd submit to you that this issue isn't political or partisan anymore,” Das said. “It's just about the youth now. And you can support them by platforming what they care about. Beyond that, you do you,” he said. “If you can, help out. It ain’t political. Put a post up, help some kids. You got nothing to lose, they have everything to gain,” he added. Also Read | Abhijeet Dipke apologises to CJP supporters over alleged police brutality Social media reaction was prompt. “Thank you for your support. We will never forget your input and care for us, and we will also not forget the people who didn’t come forward for our help: politicians, cricketers, Bollywood, dancers, singers and all the famous persons whom we made famous with our support,” wrote one Instagram user.
The BriefWire