Where were you then? Vir Das’s ‘Two Indias’ Act cited in Parliament
Comedian Vir Das reacts to his 2021 ‘Two Indias’ monologue being discussed in the Lok Sabha by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. The actor commented on the monologue being used conveniently in Parliament, whereas he faced criticism when he originally delivered the speech.
Actor and comedian Vir Das expressed surprise at Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee’s mention of his 2021 ‘Two India’ monologue during a speech in the Lok Sabha on the Union Budget 2026-27. Das posted a video online reacting to Banerjee’s reference, indicating that he did not expect his satirical work to be discussed in Parliament.
During her speech, Banerjee described the 2021 Kennedy Center performance: “Sir, in November 2021, thousands of miles away, on a stage at the Kennedy Center, Vir Das, a young stand-up comedian from India, spoke of two Indias. Many laughed, and some were outraged.” He added, “Some people stopped to listen, but what he offered was not comedy. It was a warning, a prophecy, a mirror to a nation standing at the edge of its contradictions because I too, sir, come from two Indias.”
Vir Das reacted to an MP using his monologue
In his video, Das seemed surprised that the monologue became part of the parliamentary debate. Responding to Banerjee’s comment, Das asked, “In Parliament, you? Uh huh, where? Oh, nonsense. I’m sorry, this is happening on the floor of Parliament? Don’t do that. I remember some people laughed. (laughs) I’m sorry, some who were angry? Who? Who stopped to listen? On the floor of Parliament?”
Das also cited the public reactions and warnings received after the demonstration: “Every single newspaper said the same thing, that it was not like that. I’m sorry, you got a warning. No, I got a warning. Multiple warnings. A prediction? In Parliament? No, it felt like broken glass. No, it was hidden in my house for a really long time. Where were you then?”
He used the occasion to announce his upcoming world tour, telling the audience, “Wow. Okay, guys, I’m leaving the country. I’m actually going on a world tour, and this feels like a really good time to announce it.” The tour is titled Hey Stranger – A Tour of the World.
TMC’s reaction on Veer Das’ post
TMC later posted a response to Das’ post. On its official Instagram handle, the party said that Parliament is the appropriate forum to raise the issue. The caption on the post reads, “Of course. In Parliament. If not in the House, then where else should the voice of the people be heard?”
All about the ‘two India’ case
Das’s 2021 Kennedy Center performance gets standing ovation abroad too Controversy started in India.
Many complaints were filed There is a charge against him for allegedly insulting the country during his monologue. In the monologue, Das compared two versions of India: one that is progressive, self-confident, and emerging globally, and another where women fear for their safety, where freedoms are diminishing, and where social divisions exist. The line repeated during his act was: “I have come from two Indias.”
In her monologue she talked about issues like ‘Women are worshiped during the day but face sexual violence at night’. The act also included comments on farmers’ protests, pollution and media and political divisions.
Actress and MP Kangana Ranaut criticized the act on social media, calling Das’s monologue “soft terrorism”. He demanded strict action against him. Many others accused him of merely highlighting the country’s problems to a foreign audience. Some also talked about selective criticism.
However, some politicians and members of the public, including Shashi Tharoor, supported Das, who refused to apologize. He said that his article truly reflects his love for his country. Das later clarified that the act was about love for India – explaining that both “Indias” co-exist, and accepting problems is part of taking care of the country.
Meanwhile, Das recently directed, co-produced and starred in the comedy film Happy Patel: Dangerous Spy. the film was Released on 16 January.
