News for 'stand-up'

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Recent stand-up comedy clips from Pranit More and Madhur Virli, featuring jokes about sexual coercion, rape, and necrophilia, have ignited a fierce debate in India over consent, normalising rape culture, and trivialising sexual assault, leading to FIRs and public apologies.

Rs 370 biryani remark row: NCW rejects comic Pranit More's apology

Rs 370 biryani remark row: NCW rejects comic Pranit More's apology

Rediff.com7 days ago

The National Commission for Women (NCW) rejected apologies from stand-up comedians Pranit More, Madhur Virli, and audience member Himanshu Jangra regarding alleged objectionable and misogynistic content against women. The commission emphasised that freedom of speech does not justify normalising the violation of women's bodily autonomy or trivialising heinous crimes. The controversy stemmed from a viral video where Jangra's 'Rs 370 biryani' remark, implying expected intimacy for a date, drew widespread backlash.

KEM student sent on leave over remarks at Pranit More's show

KEM student sent on leave over remarks at Pranit More's show

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Mumbai's KEM Hospital has placed MBBS student Sejal Pawar on compulsory leave for 15 days following her controversial remarks about male cadavers during a stand-up comedy show. The hospital has initiated a detailed inquiry, forming a five-member committee to investigate the matter, which sparked widespread social media outrage.

Did Kangana Really Make Vir Das' Lips Bleed During Kiss?

Did Kangana Really Make Vir Das' Lips Bleed During Kiss?

Rediff.com21 hours ago

'This is unfair slander to Kangana.'

Rs 370 biryani row: Comedian Pranit More says he 'deserves' hate

Rs 370 biryani row: Comedian Pranit More says he 'deserves' hate

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Stand-up comedian Pranit More has issued a second apology for his "lapse in judgment" regarding a controversial "Rs 370 biryani" remark made by a participant during his show, which allegedly glorified non-consensual conduct. More is facing a police case and expressed regret for giving a platform to the derogatory comments. The controversy also involves another participant, Sejal Pawar, for separate objectionable remarks.

NCW summons comedian, web developer over 'Rs 370 biryani' remark

NCW summons comedian, web developer over 'Rs 370 biryani' remark

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned comedian Pranit More and web developer Himanshu Jangra following remarks made during a Gurugram stand-up show, which the commission alleges glorified sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman.

Stokes focused on cricket after off-field drama

Stokes focused on cricket after off-field drama

Rediff.com5 days ago

Ben Stokes is back as England captain and insists his focus is firmly on the series-deciding Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, after a turbulent fortnight off the field.

MBBS student faces probe over remarks at comedy show

MBBS student faces probe over remarks at comedy show

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Mumbai's civic-run KEM Hospital has initiated a two-member committee probe into controversial remarks made by MBBS student Sejal Pawar regarding male cadavers during a stand-up comedy show, which the hospital dean deemed 'unacceptable'.

Maharashtra Cyber Police Book Comedians Over 'Obscene' Online Content

Maharashtra Cyber Police Book Comedians Over 'Obscene' Online Content

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Cyber police have registered a case against stand-up comedian Pranit More, web developer Himanshu Jangra, and Dr Sejal Pawar for allegedly disseminating 'obscene and objectionable' content on social media, stemming from remarks made during a comedy show that trivialised consent and disrespected deceased persons.

2nd Test: Phillips century puts New Zealand in firm control vs England

2nd Test: Phillips century puts New Zealand in firm control vs England

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Glenn Phillips completed his maiden Test century as New Zealand punished a wayward England attack to pile on the runs on the second day of the second Test at the Oval in London on Thursday.

FIFA World Cup: Kane equals record as England edge Croatia

FIFA World Cup: Kane equals record as England edge Croatia

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Harry Kane struck twice while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford delivered the knockout blows as England survived a back-and-forth battle to beat Croatia 4-2 on Wednesday and launch their World Cup campaign in a heavyweight clash that lived up to its billing.

Isak-Gyokeres Strike Force Faces Tunisia's Iron Defence in World Cup Opener

Isak-Gyokeres Strike Force Faces Tunisia's Iron Defence in World Cup Opener

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Sweden's star strike partnership of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres faces a stern challenge against Tunisia's rock-solid defence as the two sides begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F campaign.

'Ravi bhai is box office': Ashwin lifts lid on dressing-room drama during Gabba triumph

'Ravi bhai is box office': Ashwin lifts lid on dressing-room drama during Gabba triumph

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin recalls the injury that ruled him out of India's historic Gabba Test win, reveals Ravi Shastri's fiery dressing-room reaction and reflects on the unforgettable 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph.

UNICEF hands Goodwill Ambassador role to Spain's rising star Lamine Yamal

UNICEF hands Goodwill Ambassador role to Spain's rising star Lamine Yamal

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Spain winger Lamine Yamal has been appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, becoming one of the youngest footballers to take on the global role ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

A year after AI-171 crash killed 260, burnt hostel awaits demolition

A year after AI-171 crash killed 260, burnt hostel awaits demolition

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Residents of Meghaninagar vividly remember the explosion that shook the neighbourhood on the afternoon of June 12, 2025. An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London had crashed into the hostel blocks of B J Medical College. A massive fire broke out, sending clouds of smoke into the sky.

Main Vaapas Aaunga Review: Heartfelt, Moving Drama

Main Vaapas Aaunga Review: Heartfelt, Moving Drama

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Main Vaapas Aaunga transcends its flaws to deliver a profoundly moving plea for humanity, anchored by heartbreakingly brilliant performances, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Big warning for Rohit before England tour...

Big warning for Rohit before England tour...

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

India may still have two ODIs remaining against Afghanistan, but conversations about the future are never far away when it comes to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Lagaan to Laapataa Ladies: Aamir Khan's 10 Best Productions

Lagaan to Laapataa Ladies: Aamir Khan's 10 Best Productions

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

As Aamir Khan Productions celebrates 25 years, we rank the 10 best films produced by its star, from the iconic Lagaan to the recent critically-acclaimed Laapataa Ladies.

Blast Review: Fun, Action-Packed Ride

Blast Review: Fun, Action-Packed Ride

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Blast mixes engaging family drama with massy martial arts mayhem to deliver a thoroughly entertaining action ride.

Is A Woman's Consent Only Worth Rs 370?

Is A Woman's Consent Only Worth Rs 370?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

I have spent the last couple of days trying to understand what exactly is making me so angry about the viral controversy surrounding comedian Pranit More's crowd-work show. At first, I thought it was because of the audience member whose story has now sparked outrage across social media. Then I thought it was because of the comedian's response.

Gullak Season 5 Review: Still Very Likeable

Gullak Season 5 Review: Still Very Likeable

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

TVF's popular family series, Gullak, returns for a fifth season, offering a refreshing contrast to crime shows with its focus on the mundane crises of the Mishra family, who navigate new challenges like home renovations, Wi-Fi installation, and the arrival of opinionated relatives.

What went wrong for Suryakumar Yadav?

What went wrong for Suryakumar Yadav?

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

SKY didn't realise that a non-performing captain starts losing respect of the dressing room. If someone fails to score consistently for more than a year, he would find it extremely difficult to actually instruct his teammates to execute his plans.

Tharoor calls full Vande Mataram rendition 'unnecessary'; BJP retorts

Tharoor calls full Vande Mataram rendition 'unnecessary'; BJP retorts

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has questioned the necessity of playing all five verses of Vande Mataram at the beginning and end of official events, calling the practice "unnecessary and burdensome". He highlighted the practical difficulties and lack of legal basis for mandating the full version at every function.

'You'd go a long way to see a better captain's knock than Shreyas Iyer's'

'You'd go a long way to see a better captain's knock than Shreyas Iyer's'

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten century helped Punjab Kings beat Lucknow Super Giants and keep their hopes of reaching the IPL playoffs alive, according to assistant coach Brad Haddin.

Vinesh Phogat Eyes 2028 Olympics After Asian Games Trials

Vinesh Phogat Eyes 2028 Olympics After Asian Games Trials

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Vinesh Phogat, despite losing in the Asian Games selection trials, asserts her return to wrestling after motherhood as a victory, aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics while criticising the wrestling administration for alleged discrimination and harassment.

IPL 2027: Hardik Trade, Coaching Shake-Up: What's Next For LSG?

IPL 2027: Hardik Trade, Coaching Shake-Up: What's Next For LSG?

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Lucknow Super Giants face a crucial rebuilding phase after finishing last in IPL 2026 and Rishabh Pant stepping down as captain. From auction strategy and potential Hardik Pandya interest to coaching changes and retention plans, here's what lies ahead for LSG before IPL 2027.

IPL 2026: 'Patidar has picked his moments really well'

IPL 2026: 'Patidar has picked his moments really well'

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's director of cricket Mo Bobat credited the franchise's "collective contributions" and fearless identity after the defending champions thrashed Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday.

Leadership shake-up looms at LSG amid Rishabh Pant struggles

Leadership shake-up looms at LSG amid Rishabh Pant struggles

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Lucknow Super Giants are considering a leadership change after two disappointing IPL seasons. Director of Cricket Tom Moody admitted that captain Rishabh Pant has struggled with the pressures of captaincy, impacting his performance. The team finished seventh in 2025 and is set to end the 2026 season near the bottom of the table.

French Open: Players demand fairer revenue sharing, stronger representation

French Open: Players demand fairer revenue sharing, stronger representation

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A simmering dispute between players and the Grand Slams over revenue sharing intensified at the French Open on Friday, with Novak Djokovic warning the sport risked further fragmentation as leading players pressed for a greater voice in shaping its future.

Navi Mumbai E-Service Operator Booked For Alleged Loan Fraud

Navi Mumbai E-Service Operator Booked For Alleged Loan Fraud

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

An e-service centre operator in Navi Mumbai is accused of defrauding multiple individuals of over Rs 20 lakh by promising business loans under the 'Stand-Up India' scheme and then disappearing after collecting processing fees.

How RCB Cultivated A Winning 'Hunter Mindset' In IPL

How RCB Cultivated A Winning 'Hunter Mindset' In IPL

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's director of cricket, Mo Bobat, attributes the team's IPL success to a 'hunter mindset' that prevents complacency after their previous trophy win. This psychological shift has been key to maintaining motivation and focus.

Why Ricky Ponting Believes Shreyas Iyer Should Captain India's T20 Team

Why Ricky Ponting Believes Shreyas Iyer Should Captain India's T20 Team

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings head coach, has endorsed Shreyas Iyer as a potential T20 captain for India, highlighting Iyer's maturity and leadership qualities despite recent team setbacks.

UK bars 11 foreign far-right extremists ahead of planned protest

UK bars 11 foreign far-right extremists ahead of planned protest

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The UK government has blocked eleven foreign far-right extremists from entering the country ahead of planned protest rallies, including a US-based extremist accused of anti-Muslim rhetoric. The move comes as thousands are expected to gather in London for anti-immigration and pro-Palestine demonstrations, prompting a large-scale police operation.

'Traitor, gimmick': Rahul targets Modi over economy, 'Melody'

'Traitor, gimmick': Rahul targets Modi over economy, 'Melody'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for gifting 'Melody' toffees to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, calling it a 'gimmick' while India faces an 'economic storm'. He accused Modi of prioritising public relations over addressing the struggles of farmers, labourers, and youth, a sentiment echoed by other Congress leaders.

Increasing strength of Parliament to 850 a 'joke': Tharoor

Increasing strength of Parliament to 850 a 'joke': Tharoor

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the proposal to increase the Lok Sabha's strength to 850, while BJP leaders defended delimitation as a democratic necessity at the Stanford India Conference 2026.

IPL 2026: Shubman Gill Trolls RCB With Cheeky Post

IPL 2026: Shubman Gill Trolls RCB With Cheeky Post

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Shubman Gill is winning hearts with his witty social media presence and playful interactions with Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler.

The 10 Toughest Cops On OTT

The 10 Toughest Cops On OTT

Rediff.com14 May 2026

With Saif Ali Khan and Randeep Hooda donning the cop uniform on OTT this week, we take a look at 10 memorable police portrayals in Hindi OTT series over the years.

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Rediff.com10 May 2026

A look at the profiles of the ministers in the new Tamil Nadu government led by Joseph C Vijay of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

'Thank You For Every Sleepless Night, Every Hug'

'Thank You For Every Sleepless Night, Every Hug'

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Film folk have been celebrating Mother's Day on Sunday, and posting loving pictures on social media.

Bishop, Mukund question Holder's controversial catch

Bishop, Mukund question Holder's controversial catch

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Ian Bishop and Abhinav Mukund question the legality of Jason Holder's catch to dismiss Rajat Patidar, saying there was enough evidence to rule it not out.