BJP Mumbai President Ashish Shelar in.
| Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar on Friday (February 14, 2025) instructed officials from his department to investigate shows that allegedly promoted obscenity and were selling tickets without the approval of the Theatre Inspection Board. The directive comes in the wake of controversy surrounding remarks made by YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, during a digital programme.
A statement from the Minister’s office said that Mr. Shelar had taken note of multiple complaints regarding programmes that violated cultural norms. The controversy erupted after Mr. Allahbadia made inappropriate comments about parents and sex during an episode of the digital show India’s Got Latent, which sparked outrage and led to investigations by police in Mumbai and Assam.
In addition to the Allahbadia case, Mr. Shelar had also received complaints of similar violations by a Marathi programme titled Kandepohe. During a meeting held at Mantralaya, the State Secretariat, the Minister directed officials to launch an immediate investigation into these programmes to ensure compliance with cultural and ethical standards.
He stressed the need to curb content that promoted obscenity and violated the guidelines set by the Theatre Inspection Board. Mr. Shelar’s move underscored the State government’s commitment to preserving cultural integrity and addressing public concerns over inappropriate content in media and entertainment.
The Cultural Affairs Department has been tasked with taking strict action against programmes found to violate norms, ensuring that such content does not reach audiences without proper scrutiny and approval. Further updates on the investigation are expected in the coming days.
Published – February 14, 2025 10:37 pm IST