"Not part of our culture? What are you, French?"
Comedian Daniel Fernandes has taken a sharp and pointed dig at actor Bhumi Pednekar during one of his recent stand-up shows.
The comedian targeted Bhumi over her widely criticised comments about the language used by protesters during the CJP-led demonstrations in Delhi.
Bhumi had earlier drawn significant flak for schooling protesters over their use of abusive language directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Many had questioned why she chose to criticise the protesters’ language rather than showing support for the student-led movement.
The CJP protest had demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the NEET paper leak.
During his stand-up show, Fernandes addressed Bhumi’s comments directly and with considerable comedic bite throughout his set.
He said: “Bhumi Pednekar woke up one morning and decided to be relevant again.
“So, she posted a video where she is like, ‘Hey guys, it is okay to protest and all that, but what is this language?
“This bad, abusive language is not part of our culture.
“Not part of our culture? What are you, French?
“Remembering mothers and sisters is a national pastime. This is what society does.
“Every time they do not like something that you say or do, they will try to shame you by saying that this is not part of our culture and culture is spelled as ‘CONTROL’.
“I don’t understand what is up with this a** kissing.”
His remarks drew considerable laughter and applause while also resonating with those who had been critical of Bhumi’s original stance.
Fernandes also aimed television actor Sudesh Berry for a separate comment the actor had made in a recent interview.
Berry had reportedly said he wanted to wash the Prime Minister’s feet and drink that water during the interview in question.
The comedian responded to that remark with a swift and sardonic one-liner, saying:
“He has not understood Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.”
The comment drew immediate laughter and quickly became one of the most shared moments from Fernandes’ show.
Bhumi Pednekar’s original remarks had come during the height of the CJP protest movement that was sweeping across multiple Indian cities.
She had posted a video in which she criticised the language being used by young protesters against the Prime Minister.
Her comments were met with immediate and widespread criticism from those who felt she was deflecting attention.
