Das feels political satires are a weapon these days

At a time when political tensions are infiltrating every possible sphere in people’s lives, actor and comedian Vir Das uses the weapon of political satire and comedy to combat it. “Comedy isn’t democratic, and democracy shouldn’t be this bloody comedic either,” Das recently posted on his Facebook page.

Das who recently did a humourous but hard-hitting podcast video, says, “I meant what I said. I don’t owe my jokes to any party. A comedian’s job is to reflect the political scenarios, and that’s what I do. As the nature of news keeps changing every week, I take a dig at whoever does something satire worthy — be it Congress, BJP, or AAP,” he shares emphatically.

He feels that everyone is the same in the world of comedy. “Yes, I believe at the end of the day, citizens can laugh at everyone equally — you don’t have to be left wing or right wing. A person belonging to the right or left wing can still make jokes. I’m neither, so I’ll laugh at both. So you see, comedy has no such demarcations, I don’t understand why people create them. Demonetisation has affected all of us —not just one section of society.” He explains, adding, “I’m a Modi fan, yes, but you or anyone else doesn’t have to be.”

For Das, political satires are a good way to engage people. “It makes them think. People have a better and clearer idea of what’s happening in the country — compared to what the politicians tell them.”