The corridors of Indian politics met the world of stand-up comedy in an unexpected showdown. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee responded to Vir Das’s viral reaction video with a post that captured the essence of India’s dual realities, calling out the comedian’s pivot from parliamentary surprise to tour promotion.
‘Beauty of Two Indias: In one, questions for a comedian discussing the divide. In the other, it turns into ideal PR for a tour. Sense of humor in democracy! Best wishes for housefull shows and a great tour,’ Banerjee tweeted, encapsulating the exchange.
It all started in Parliament where Banerjee, debating the upcoming budget, invoked Das’s famous 2021 monologue. He portrayed it as prophetic: a stage performance far away that presciently warned of national divides. ‘From the Kennedy Center, Vir Das held up a mirror to our contradictions. Laughter mixed with outrage, but it was no joke—a forecast of two Indias,’ he remarked, adding his own roots in that duality.
Das, caught off guard, shared a humorous video reel. Laughing in disbelief, he said, ‘My name in Parliament? Baba re! Who’s angry now—Parliamentarians?’ Masterfully, he transitioned to plugging his international tour: ‘Time to announce—I’m off on a world tour!’
Banerjee’s clapback cleverly flips the script, suggesting Das embodies the very ‘Two Indias’ he once lampooned—one facing accountability, the other chasing spotlight. This banter not only entertains but reveals deeper societal fault lines, where satire fuels political theater and vice versa. With Das’s tour kicking off, expect more such crossovers in India’s colorful public sphere.