Tanmay Bhat breaks silence over Samay Raina-Ranveer Allahbadia controversy: ‘I am comedy’s patient zero’

One of the OG members of today’s standup scene in India, Tanmay, who is also considered to be a mentor figure for Samay, has maintained his silence. And it is understandable because the last time Indian standup comedy was at an interesting crossroads, it was Tanmay and his comedy group AIB that were at the centre of the controversy. Their roast show featuring the likes of Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, and Karan Johar was… let’s say not-so-warmly received.

Nevertheless, Tanmay Bhat, who is joined by other notable comics in a weekly ‘reaction’ show on his YouTube channel, was asked by a fan about this purported silence regarding the issue. “How come these people are not taking a stand for everything that’s happening?” read the comment. Rohan Joshi, a core member of the AIB, said, “We are literally here doing our job. What more stand do you need?” Meanwhile, Kaustubh Agarwal pointed out that Tanmay’s comments are asked because he was Samay’s ‘godfather’ and Piyush Sharm interjected to bring in a top-class Shah Rukh Khan reference. “They are expecting ki Tanmay bolega ki ‘Bete se pehle baap ke through jaana hoga (you have to go through the father to mess with the son),’” which is a line from Shah Rukh Khan’s recent blockbuster, Jawan.

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But like every comic worth their salt, Tanmay is one who can never shy away from a punchline, and having the last word. “Whenever someone in your family falls sick, especially with a rather rare illness that no one has had before, you always remember this one uncle who had the same condition seven years ago. You call him and ask about what should be done next. Well… I am comedy’s patient zero.”