Anubhav Singh Bassi’s Lucknow shows canceled over 'indecency' concerns raised by UP Women’s Commission

Comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi’s scheduled shows in Lucknow on February 15 were canceled after the Uttar Pradesh Women’s Commission raised concerns over the use of inappropriate language in his performances. In a letter to the DGP, commission vice-president Aparna Yadav urged officials to ensure that no "undignified remarks" about women were made during the event and suggested canceling it altogether. Following this, the police denied permission for the shows, citing law and order concerns.

According to reports, Yadav reviewed Bassi’s past performances on YouTube and stated that his content included "indecent words" ("apshabd"). She wrote, "It is expected of you that in this proposed programme and similar programmes of stand-up artists, neither any indecent words nor any undignified comments are made on women. If possible, then such shows should be canceled and not permitted in the future." The commission also requested a review of events held at the Indira Gandhi Pratisthan, the venue for Bassi’s planned performances.

The cancellation was enforced after Lucknow Police, led by ACP Radha Raman Singh, denied the No Objection Certificate (NOC). Singh cited security concerns, stating that there was a possibility of protests by groups opposing the content, which could disrupt public order. As a result, Lucknow Development Authority officials turned away Bassi’s team upon their arrival at the venue.

Yadav, addressing the media, defended her decision by emphasizing the need to prevent youth misguidance. She referenced late comedian Raju Srivastava and Kapil Sharma, stating that they gained popularity without using "vulgar" language. She also mentioned recent controversies, including podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks, as examples of inappropriate content in public entertainment.

The move comes amid increased scrutiny of stand-up comedy following the "India’s Got Latent" controversy, which sparked debates over artistic freedom and content regulation. Bassi, a 32-year-old law graduate from Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University, has not commented publicly on the show’s cancellation.