| Just for laughs? Roasts should be funny, not brutal What is the difference between a wannabe comedian and a cook? The latter can actually serve a roast. Far from the barbeque of someone's self-esteem, the concept of a comedy roast is older than you can imagine, and it is certainly not Western. In the bygone era of kings and queens, among Malhar singers and graceful tawaifs, there was a time when a court jester (Birbal to Akbar) could laugh at the king's expense without getting his head chopped off. Surrounded by silver-spooned sons and patronising ministers, a monarch would aspire to be in the company of someone who could straight-up tell them the facts without mincing them up with garlands of flattery, and that's where the court jester came in. Cut to circa 21st century when celebs, gods and rulers for many, sit on a throne, once again to be willingly dethroned by a motley crew of modern-day jesters. When Canadian singer Justin Bieber was chowed down by the likes of actor Pete Davidson and rapper Snoop Dogg in a 2015 roast, he unleashed a wave of public catharsis after having accumulated almost equal amount of love and hate. By willingly participating in a roast, he cleared the air with his internet trolls and at the same time, managed to come out of it completely unfazed, laughing at their laughter, if you will. But how far until it should be "off with their heads?" Recently, stand-up comedian Samay Raina committed a not-so-stand-up act by roasting actor-influencer Kusha Kapila in a very awkward set riddled with jokes about her sex life and divorce. Shortly after the travesty, Kapila issued a statement, "I have been told that I deserve these jokes and that as a divorced woman, I should have seen this coming. Maybe I should have, and maybe silence on this topic is seen as cowardice, but it's mostly choosing peace over endless discourse that will likely villainise women…" So, it seems misogyny and comedy remain not-so-illicit bedfellows. What's more, when roasts become malicious, they tend to leave a sour taste. As for those who argue, 'Why did Kusha stay till the end of the act?' I'd respond, as women, we are still unlearning a lot of misogyny that is pushed in our direction as 'just a joke' on a regular basis. I mean, where is the joke in WhatsApp forwards about nagging wives and oppressed husbands that is normalised even today? If you do manage to find it, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I am not doubting the intent of the person roasting, but it would all be much nicer if the no-go areas are discussed with the person getting roasted, in advance. |
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