Objections were raised on Friday by several social organisations over an alleged ‘vulgar’ comedy performance during the third cultural night of the International Shivratri Fair in Mandi. The controversy centres on a performance by comedian Harvansh Arora on Wednesday, which critics claim included double-meaning jokes inappropriate for a family audience.
Ashwani Saini, general secretary of the Progressive Development Forum, alleged that the artiste used objectionable content while performing before a mixed audience that included families. He has submitted a written complaint to the chairman of the Shivratri Mela Committee as well as to the police, seeking legal action against the comedian.
Advocate Sanjay Mandyal, a member of the Devta Samiti, also expressed concern, stating that cultural night programmes held during fairs are traditionally watched by families and that such incidents are not in good taste.
Adding to the criticism, Bhupesh Sharma, a native of Mandi currently residing in the United States, said he was watching the live telecast of the event online with his family and found the content objectionable.
He alleged that such substandard and ‘vulgar, double-meaning’ performances tarnish the image of the International Shivratri Fair and diminish the country’s prestige. He demanded that the artiste should not be paid any remuneration, be barred from future performances and face criminal proceedings.
Attempts to contact the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Mandi, for their response were unsuccessful. However, sources in their offices indicated that complaints regarding the matter had been received via email.
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