Why Indian standup comics are becoming afraid to tell jokes

The World

Freedom to tell jokes is not guaranteed in India, the world’s largest democracy. Last year, Muslim comedian Munawar Faruqui spent 27 days in jail for jokes he never even told. He, along with another Indian standup, Kunal Kamra, had a slate of gigs canceled in Bangalore in November after pressure from Hindu nationalists. Some Indian comedians say those threats and pressure have made it too dangerous for them to perform in public. Marco Werman speaks with Kunal Kamra about the current political climate for comedians in India.

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