Marathi YouTube channel BhaDiPa (Bharatiya Digital Party) has come under fire as netizens are demanding action against its founder, Sarang Sathaye, for allegedly promoting “filthy” content. This backlash comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps), who faced criticism for his crass comments during his appearance on comedian Samay Raina’s show India’s Got Latent.
Several users on social media have dug up old videos from BhaDiPa’s various shows, claiming that the content is offensive and inappropriate. Netizens also tagged regulatory authorities, urging them to take strict action against the channel and its comedians.
BhaDiPa cancels upcoming show
Amid the backlash, BhaDiPa cancelled its show Atishay Nirlajj Kande Pohe. Similar to India’s Got Latent, the show was supposed to feature actress Sai Tamhankar in a special segment. However, the February 14 episode has now been postponed.
In a statement addressing fans, BhaDiPa wrote on Instagram, “We regret to inform our fans that due to the ongoing controversy, we are postponing the February 14 episode of Atishay Nirlajj Kande Pohe. Anyway, Valentine’s Day gets more hate than love, but we still love our fans. We have taken this decision to ensure that neither our talent nor our audience faces any trouble.”
They further assured ticket holders, “The refund amount will be credited to your bank accounts within 15 days. Use it to buy yourself something nice! We know our fans love us and enjoy our unique style of comedy. That’s why we have introduced exclusive YouTube memberships to access our content.”
To address concerns about inappropriate content, the channel also announced, “All videos of Atishay Nirlajj Kande Pohe will now be available only for viewers above 18 years of age. However, you can still enjoy our channel’s content with your family.”
The announcement has received mixed reactions, with some supporting the move and others questioning whether digital content should be subjected to stricter scrutiny.
Netizens demand action against BhaDiPa
An X user urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take strict action against the YouTube channel. The post read, “Dear @MIB_India and Sh. @AshwiniVaishnaw ji @BhaDiPa produces filthy digital Marathi content under the lable of ‘अतिशय निर्लज्ज कांदेपोहे’. Consider this tweet as my complaint n demand for entire removal of this content from all social media platforms ASAP.”
Sarang Sathaye is also being slammed for making controversial jokes on religion and culture.
“This is considered ‘edgy’ and cool by youth. Indian people don’t know what real comedy is. Merely abusing and making fun of majoritarian culture is not funny,” a user wrote on X.
A section of social media users also lashed out at Sarang for involving kids in one of his shows.
“I avoid calling out Woke @BhaDiPa @sarangsathaye (Sarang being epitome of woke shit) usually on their woke crap… But involving kids is just not acceptable.. keep the wokeness out… Wonder how parents allow kids to go on such stuff,” read a post.
Reacting to clips from the show, a user commented, “The so called comedy heroes of today are not capable of making jokes. They think that people don’t laugh unless they make jokes below the waist. In fact, they laugh more at their own jokes. They should be shown videos of bridges. @BhaDiPa This is reaching a very low level day by day.”
AICWA urges govt to introduce strict censorship law for digital content
Meanwhile, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) on Tuesday (February 11) issued a statement demanding a ban on India’s Got Latent following Ranveer’s controversial ‘parents watching sex’ question. They wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shaw and Information Broadcasing Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, demanding a strict action against Latent creators.
The association stated that they have banned all individuals associated with India’s Got Latent from working in the Indian film industry and urged Bollywood and regional film production houses to refrain from collaborating with them in the future.
AICWA urged the government to introduce a strict censorship law for digital content to prevent such incidents in the future. In addition to AICWA’s condemnation, a formal complaint has been filed with the Mumbai Commissioner and the Maharashtra Women’s Commission.
