Vir Das has opened up about the far-reaching consequences of the controversy surrounding his Two Indias monologue, revealing that the fallout left him without work and income for nearly two years and continues to keep him away from Madhya Pradesh, a state he claims he is still barred from entering.
Vir Das shares everything went away after the controversy
Speaking on The Rotoris Room alongside Saif Ali Khan, Ayaan Ali Bangash, Prateek Sadhu and Suyash Keshari, Vir Das revisited the aftermath of his 2021 performance at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center, which triggered massive backlash.During the conversation, he said, “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 comedian revealed the professional impact was immediate and long-lasting. He added, “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 also spoke about the financial strain the controversy caused, revealing that he and his wife, Shivani Mathur, moved to Goa during this period. “Shivani and I moved to Goa, and we had no income for two years,” he said, adding that it took considerable time before performing opportunities and other work slowly returned.
Vir Das says he is ‘actually banned in Madhya Pradesh’
Vir Das claimed the controversy still affects him when it comes to one particular state. He said, “I’m actually banned in Madhya Pradesh. In the whole state. The Two Indias speech came out at the Kennedy Center. There were 14 FIRs or whatever, and we dealt with it. But the MP of Madhya Pradesh was like… ‘He can never come to Madhya Pradesh.’ I don’t even know if the minister is still there. I just don’t want to find out. I don’t want to show up in Madhya Pradesh.“While he did not confirm whether any official order exists, Vir said he has simply chosen not to test it and has stayed away from the state since.At the end, the experience, he said, reshaped his understanding of controversy and content. “Your content can become controversial, but controversy can’t become your content,” Vir remarked.On the work front, the actor recently directed ‘Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos’ starring himself in the lead role. The movie also featured Mithila Palkar, Mona Singh, Sharib Hashmi and Srushti Tawade in pivotal roles. Aamir Khan and Imran Khan had made special appearances. The film released in theatres on January 16, 2026.
