Stand-up comedian Daniel Fernandes is known for his dark humour and controversial takes on topical issues. In his latest video, he riffs about Fawad Khan, old rivalries and lots in between.
Pakistani actor Fawad Khan hit the headlines in October, amidst the surge in jingoism that followed India’s surgical strikes across the Line of Control in September. Shortly after the attacks, a film producers’ association banned Pakistani actors from appearing in future Bollywood projects. If that wasn’t enough, the fringe Mumbai political party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, objected to Khan’s short role in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which was to be released in October.
If director Karan Johar wanted the film to be released without incident, the party said, he should donate Rs 5 crores to the Army Welfare Fund.
All of this is grist for Fernandes’ mill. The comedian said he had no choice but to hate Khan because he was Pakistani and for Indians, “hate is our default setting, right?”.
Fernandes switched from a career in advertising to stand-up comedy after a gig in 2011. Since then, he has commented on everything from the war in Syria to feminism and even marital rape.
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