Varun Grover adds witty disclaimer after Kunal Kamra row: 'Venue ki isme koi galti nahi hain... if offended, break a clock'

Lyricist, filmmaker, and stand-up comic Varun Grover didn’t mince words in his recent stand-up special, Nothing Makes Sense. The video, which he uploaded on Wednesday, tackled everything from political intolerance to the perils of doing comedy in today’s India. Grover used satire and irony to offer commentary on a system where comedians have become frequent targets of outrage and even legal action.
Grover’s witty disclaimer hits the nail on the head
Right at the beginning of his act, Grover served up a scathing disclaimer that many interpreted as a direct dig at the current socio-political climate and recent attacks on freedom of expression.
“These are jokes. Venue ki isme koi galti nahi hain. Mera bhi nahin hai. Humare time ki hai. If offended, break a clock,” he quipped, a line that cleverly mocked the trend of misplaced blame and performative outrage.
After Kunal Kamra row, Grover’s act mirrors rising pressure on comedians
The timing of Grover’s show and its themes seem especially relevant in light of the controversy involving comedian Kunal Kamra. Kamra had come under fire after joking about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, which led to members of the Shiv Sena vandalising the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai.
Kamra, in response, remained defiant, stating, “I will not apologise... I don't fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down.” He sarcastically added, “It’s like flipping a truck full of tomatoes just because you didn’t like the butter chicken you ate.”

Grover reflects on Munawar Faruqui’s ordeal
Grover also touched upon comedian Munawar Faruqui’s controversial arrest in 2021, reinforcing how unsafe the profession has become. “Comedian waise bhi… badi safe life nahi hain comedians ki. Koi bhi kahi bhi uthake apko… Munawar Faruqui ko hi jail jana pada pata hoga apko. Ek joke kiya usne aur jail chala gaya,” Grover said, referring to Faruqui’s 3-month jail stay.

He added, “Jail se aaya 100 din Kangana Ranaut ke show mein raha, bohot buri halat hain. Bahot mushkil hain iss samay comedian hona,” earning a mix of laughter and uncomfortable recognition from his audience.