Vir Das Reflects on Two Indias Controversy and Its Lasting Effects

Vir Das has opened up about the enduring consequences of the uproar surrounding his Two Indias monologue, revealing that the fallout not only halted his career but also left him and his wife, Shivani Mathur, without a reliable source of income for almost two years. The comedian, who has received an International Emmy, stated that he still refrains from visiting Madhya Pradesh, as he believes he remains 'banned' from the state due to the controversy. During a recent appearance on The Rotoris Room alongside notable figures like Saif Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, Vir reflected on one of the most challenging periods of his life, asserting that he holds no regrets about delivering the contentious piece.

In recounting the events that followed his performance at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in 2021, Vir described the backlash as extending well beyond mere online criticism. He stated, '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.' The repercussions of the controversy were immediate and severe for 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,' he lamented. During this tumultuous time, he and his wife relocated to Goa, where they faced significant financial difficulties.