It was unintentional: Kiku Sharda on ‘spoofing’ Gurmeet Ram Rahim

His followers have alleged that Kiku hurt their religious sentiments by mimicking their sect head, Gurmeet Ram.

Comedian and TV actor Kiku Sharda kicked off the New Year on a controversial note. On Friday (January 1), a complaint was filed against him, reportedly, because he imitated Gurmeet Ram Rahim on a TV show, which went on air on December 27.

Kiku was reportedly “booked under section 295 A of the Indian Penal Code (outraging religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious belief).” His followers have alleged that Kiku hurt their religious sentiments by mimicking their sect head, Gurmeet Ram.

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Kiku, known for his portrayal of Palak in TV show Comedy Nights with Kapil, was reportedly “booked under section 295 A of the Indian Penal Code (outraging religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious belief).” Dera Sacha Sauda followers have alleged that Kiku hurt their religious sentiments by mimicking their sect head, Gurmeet Ram.

However, Kiku explains that it wasn’t his intention to do so. He says, “I have a lot of respect for Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singhji. The look [on the show] wasn’t deliberate; it just happened to match [Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s look]. We didn’t plan it as a spoof on him.”

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He adds, “It’s a coincidence, and it is unfortunate. I am sorry that people felt hurt. We never try to do any such thing intentionally, or try to get headlines out of it, or want people to talk about our show in this manner. There is nothing more to it.”

(With inputs from PTI)