Kapil Sharma, one of India’s most prominent comedians, has finally responded to allegations that he made racially insensitive remarks toward filmmaker Atlee during an episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show. The controversy erupted when Kapil jokingly asked Atlee if, when meeting film stars for the first time, they ever questioned his identity, asking, “Where is Atlee? Atlee’s dignified response—“We should not judge by appearance. You have to judge by your heart”—impressed viewers, but Sharma’s comments drew online criticism.
The episode quickly drew criticism on social media, with some accusing Kapil of making a veiled comment about Atlee’s appearance. Singer Chinmayi Sripaada, along with others, criticized the exchange, and wrote:.
The backlash prompted Kapil Sharma to issue a clarification on social media. Responding to one of the major tweets, Kapil also explained himself:.
Although some users rallied to Sharma’s defense, others still sat on the fence, as one reviewer wrote:.
You didn’t talk about looks directly, but you implied it. Atlee understood where you were hinting, and his response made you uncomfortable.
Some User
Another user added:
Don’t act oversmart! You knew exactly what you were implying. Shameless fellow!
The incident has divided the internet. While Kapil’s loyal fans argue that the remarks were taken out of context and meant as harmless banter, others believe the exchange highlights a need for greater sensitivity in comedy, especially when it comes to remarks that can be perceived as personal or offensive.
As the controversy simmers, it has reignited conversations about the boundaries of humor in Indian entertainment and the responsibility comedians bear when addressing sensitive topics. Atlee’s elegant management of the crisis has sparked immense praise, which has fuelled the controversy even more.
