HYDERABAD – Popular stand-up comedian Daniel Fernandes has been forced to cancel his show in Hyderabad due to safety concerns. This decision follows a video threat issued by BJP MLA T. Raja Singh from Goshamahal, warning Fernandes against performing in the city. The show, titled ‘Do You Know Who I Am?’, was scheduled to take place at Heart Cup Coffee in Jubilee Hills at 4 pm on June 29.
The issue was sparked by Fernandes’ recent comedy routine, wherein he allegedly made remarks about the Jain community that were deemed offensive by some. In the video threat, Singh warned Fernandes to cancel his show or face consequences from his party workers, Jagran English reported.
“If this situation goes out of hand, the police will be held responsible,” Singh said in the video, recalling the tensions that arose when comedian Munawar Farooqui was set to perform in Hyderabad last year.
Faced with the escalating situation and the inability to guarantee the safety of his audience, crew and himself, Fernandes has been forced to reschedule the show. In a video message, the comedian expressed his disappointment and concern over the unfolding events.
“Nobody is ready to guarantee the safety of my audience, my crew and myself. I do not want to put anyone in harm’s way because of something I said,” Fernandes said, adding that the video which offended the Jain community has been taken down.
However, the comedian stated that he is still receiving threats of violence and vandalism, despite his apology to the Jain community. Fernandes also added that it is acceptable to disagree with an artist’s work, but using threats of violence is not the answer.
This latest incident comes after a similar controversy surrounding Munawar Farooqui’s planned performance in Hyderabad in 2022. On that occasion, MLA Raja Singh had also threatened to use force to prevent the show from happening, leading to its eventual cancellation.
