Vir Das has spoken candidly about the long-lasting impact of the controversy surrounding his Two Indias monologue, revealing that the backlash not only brought his career to a standstill but also left him and his wife, Shivani Mathur, without a steady income for nearly two years. The International Emmy-winning comedian also claimed that he continues to avoid travelling to Madhya Pradesh, saying he believes he is still “banned” from entering the state.
Appearing on The Rotoris Room alongside Saif Ali Khan, Ayaan Ali Bangash, Prateek Sadhu and Suyash Keshari, Vir reflected on one of the most difficult phases of his life, while maintaining that he has no regrets about performing the now-controversial piece.
‘Everything Went Away After The Controversy’
Recalling the aftermath of his performance at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center in 2021, Vir said the backlash extended far beyond social media criticism.
“I had a controversy after the Kennedy speech that was quite public and quite viral. It became the number one news item for 10 days and led to 14 police complaints that we had to spend time fighting. But I don’t see that piece as a failure. I’m very proud of it. I think it was a very well put together piece,” he said.
According to the comedian, the controversy had an immediate effect on his professional life.
“Everything went away. For two-and-a-half years, nobody would touch you with a 10-foot pole. All the brands went away, all the acting jobs went away, all the directing jobs went away,” Vir revealed.
He added that he and his wife relocated to Goa during that period and struggled financially.
“Shivani and I moved to Goa and we had no income for two years,” he said, explaining that it took months before he could return to performing and much longer before work started coming back.
‘I’m Actually Banned In Madhya Pradesh’
Vir also claimed that the fallout from the Two Indias controversy continues to affect him in one particular state.
“I’m actually banned in Madhya Pradesh. In the whole state. The Two Indias speech came out at the Kennedy Centre. There were 14 FIRs or whatever, and we dealt with it. But the MP of Madhya Pradesh was like… ‘He can never come to Madhya Pradesh.’ I don’t even know if the minister is still there. I just don’t want to find out. I don’t want to show up in Madhya Pradesh,” he said.
The comedian did not elaborate on whether there is any formal restriction in place but said he has avoided travelling to the state since the controversy.
Finding Humour After The Storm
Vir said he eventually realised he had emotionally moved on when he was able to joke about the episode during a live performance.
Recalling a show in Mumbai, he said he first told the audience, “It’s good to be back in the country,” but received little reaction. When he followed it up with, “It’s good to be allowed back into the country,” the crowd burst into laughter.
“That’s when I thought, ‘Okay, it’s going to be funny someday,’” he said.
The experience also changed how he looks at public controversies.
“Your content can become controversial, but controversy can’t become your content,” Vir remarked.
What Triggered The Two Indias Row?
Vir Das’ Two Indias monologue, performed at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in November 2021, contrasted what he described as two contrasting realities of India. The act touched upon issues including women’s safety, social divisions, pollution, the farmers’ protest and freedom of expression.
While many praised the performance as political satire, others accused the comedian of portraying India negatively on an international stage. The controversy led to multiple police complaints and FIRs against him, besides widespread criticism and online abuse.
Even so, Vir has consistently defended the performance, describing it as a satirical piece that ultimately expressed hope for the country’s future. He reiterated that despite the personal and professional cost, he remains proud of the monologue and does not consider it a failure.
