When stand-up comic Varun Grover burnt Pakistani ajwain to prove his nationalism
Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has caused a stream of controversies post the Uri attacks. The film has earned the wrath of political parties, self-proclaimed nationalists and social media trolls for something as innocuous as the fact that one of its lead actors is Fawad Khan, a Pakistani citizen. The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has even threatened to vandalise multiplexes if they "dared" to screen a film with a Pakistani actor.
While the MNS continues to threaten property destruction for any theatre that screens the movie, Karan Johar came out with a video explaining why he was silent for so long and how he'd never cast a Pakistani artist in the future.
Johar's video has the exact vibe and feel that a hostage video has, and it seems befitting because right-wing outfits like the MNS and multiple BJP MLAs have held his production hostage for some time now. Obviously the video met with outrage by various liberal groups and journalists. Stand-up comic Varun Grover of "Aisi Taisi Democracy" fame, decided to go about the whole episode a little differently.
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| Varun Grover is the shining voice of reason in these dark, dark times. [Photo: Indiatoday.in] |
The stand-up comic, lyricist and writer went on a Twitter rant about selective outrage. He pointed out that Fawad Khan is not the only Pakistani import in our nation, and if one really loves his or her motherland, they shouldn't participate in selective outrage; rather go all-in.
Grover's argument is simple. He mentioned that for two years, the government of India has been importing ajwain (carom), a herb from our next door neighbour. He also mentions that Sendha Namak (rock salt) is another one of our staple Pakistani imports. And if one believes that Pakistani artists undermine the sacrifices of our soldiers, they should also boycott these products.
So this year, due to drought last 2 yrs, Indian farmers could not grow enough Ajwain. The staple herb which sells at INR 70/kg went to 300.
— वरुण (@varungrover) October 18, 2016
So the govt lifted control on its import & we're getting it from a country next-door. A country whose films & artists we've decided to hate.
— वरुण (@varungrover) October 18, 2016
We already import Sendha Namak (Vrat waala namak for devout Hindus, healthy namak for devout urban organics) from the same country.
— वरुण (@varungrover) October 18, 2016
So please screenshot this & make a WhatsApp fwd for all true Indians. LET US BOYCOTT Ajwain & Sendha Namak. All of it is from Pakistan!
— वरुण (@varungrover) October 18, 2016
While the soldiers are dying, we ignorant fools are eating kuttu ki tikkiyaan with PAKISTANI namak (how gaddaar we are!) & Ajwain. STOP NOW!
— वरुण (@varungrover) October 18, 2016
Traveling right now but as soon as i reach home, promise to brutally burn a pinch of Ajwain to show my support for India. Will share video.
— वरुण (@varungrover) October 18, 2016
Grover even promised to burn some Pakistani ajwain to prove his patriotism and he did that in his true sarcastic style. He uploaded a vine of him burning the herb that spelled the word "PAK".
As promised. Hope other true Indians share proof of burning of Pakistani Ajwain in their homes. https://t.co/gOcYtjPyAm #GraphicContent
— वरुण (@varungrover) October 18, 2016
Now, this is how you do it.