In a recent episode of the podcast, The Little Adda Company, remarks by YouTuber Elvish Yadav regarding actress Chum Darang have received much criticism for being racist and derogatory. Yadav mocked Darang’s name during a conversation with Rajat Dalal, questioning her attractiveness by saying, “Karan Veer ko pakka COVID tha kyunki Chum kisko pasand aati hai bhai, itna taste kiska kharab hota hai! Aur Chum ke toh naam mein hi ashleelta hai…Naam Chum aur kaam Gangubai Kathiawadi mein kiya hai.” The English translation would read: “Karan Veer must have definitely had COVID because who even likes Chum? Who has such bad taste? And Chum’s name itself is vulgar. Her name is Chum, and she worked in Gangubai Kathiawadi.”
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Afterward, Chum Darang addressed the disparaging remarks on Instagram. She pointed out that mocking someone’s identity and belittling their works is unacceptable: “Disrespecting someone’s identity & name is not ‘fun.’ Mocking someone’s achievements is not ‘banter.’ It’s time we draw the line between humor and hate.” She expressed hurt that her legitimate ambition and association with a film by a visionary director such as Sanjay Leela Bhansali were so openly disrespected. Darang then offered her support to all peoples who have suffered from incidents of racism, stressing that it was time to create a culture of empathy and understanding.
After the uproar, Rajat Dalal made it clear that the comments in question had been scripted to create a sensation. He said he and Yadav had both been given our scripts and told to say certain things in order to generate hype. Those informed about the content involved in the creation of the final cut had taken Dalal’s view of betrayal. And, Yadav was said to be repeating things told him by earpiece instructions.
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In his latest vlog, Elvish Yadav responded to accusations of making racist remarks, stating that he checked social media after seeing people call him out. “I opened it to see if I had made any racist remarks. I had said something about Chum, but whether I actually said it or not, let it go—I don’t want any negativity. If anyone felt offended by my words, I have removed that part,” he explained.
Individuals also pointed out the need for public and private accountability while addressing an important issue of the time- that of the limits of humor and the respect of personal identities:. The current rant is about making sensitivity and awareness in public discourse, particularly on matter of race identity.
Such incident has opened a wider debate on humor and the necessity of respecting individual identities as it goes along. Many have echoed the idea, calling for accountability among public figures and content creators that it should not be in exchange for marginalized communities. Still, the controversy speaks of the need for being sensitive and aware while in public discourse on sensitive matters like race and identity.
