Archana Puran Singh joked about Kapil Sharma’s paunch and it seemed a lot like the insidious body shaming episodes we tend to laugh off.
In a video posted on Archana’s Instagram, she can be seen recording a video of Bharti Singh and other participants when Kapil joins in and says, “In log ko nahi pata ye apne Instagram ke follower badhane ke liye aapki shooting kar rahi hai.” Roughly, it translates to,“These people don’t know that she is shooting them only to increase her Instagram following.”
Archana responded with: “Haan toh tujhe kyun aag lag rahi hai (Why is it bothering you)?”
Kapil then pranced around and jokingly posed, saying, “Meri bhi le lo. Shirtless doon koi shot? Raaton raat badhaoon aapke 700 followers? (Include me as well. Should I go for a shirtless shot and increase your followers overnight?)”
To which Archana responded, “Haan shirtless de,” adding, “Nai jo tune tond paali hai, uska bata. (Yes, do that.Tell me about your new paunch).”
He bounced around a bit and then responded with a self-deprecating joke: “Nahi actually ye abhi toh maine kaafi had tak 6 kilo andar kheencha hua hai. (I’ve sucked my stomach in so that it’s at least 6 kgs less.)”
Video credit: Instagram.com/archanapuransingh
He then added how his health issues had prevented him from working out, “Badh gayi hai meri injury ki wajah se (It has increased because of my injury) but I’m coming back very soon.”
Kapil clearly couldn’t do much but jest at his own expense
Image credit: K9 Films, TEAM (Triyambh Entertainment And Media), Salman Khan Television, Banijay Asia
This awkward exchange was light-heartedly laughed off, much like the body shaming that happens to many of us. Kapil himself didn’t object to this because in such situations, not everyone can. The only thing we can do is stand there awkwardly or engage in self-deprecating humour, because otherwise, we’re perceived as someone who’s too touchy and insecure. You put someone on the spot and expect them to pass it off as humour when it’s actually more deep-rooted than that—what is anyone supposed to say?
But just because he’s a comedian doesn’t mean he has to laugh at everything thrown at him, is it?
Why is size a metric for judging someone?
Image credit: K9 Films, TEAM (Triyambh Entertainment And Media), Salman Khan Television, Banijay Asia
While both fat shaming and thin shaming are common in India, it is often the plus size individuals who get the short end of the stick. Fat shaming is often justified with the “health” argument, when in fact, it is completely biased and baseless. Plus, if someone does have health issues because of their weight, joking about it, insulting them or giving unsolicited advice is hardly going to help.
Clearly, we have a superficial standard of judging health and our true concern is not the health of the person, but their weight and appearance. Not only that, but using the word “fat” as an insult and attaching a negative connotation to the presence of features like a paunch, back fat or belly rolls are all proof of the bias society has against certain body types.
Kapil has injuries due to which he can’t work out. Many others have underlying health conditions.
Image credit: K9 Films, TEAM (Triyambh Entertainment And Media), Salman Khan Television, Banijay Asia
Everyone has a different body, unique health conditions, dietary restrictions. You cannot tell if a person has a metabolic disorder or underlying health issues which cause weight gain just by looking at them. But still, the fat shaming continues.
We don’t all have the time, space, physical stamina or mental health to allow us to exercise like an athlete. So, this unnecessary pressure to look thin and built like a model or actor needs to go.
If one gains weight because their life-saving medication causes it or because they can’t exercise due to an injury, or any other reason, that doesn’t mean they also lose the right to feel attractive or flaunt their bodies the way they wish.
Why fat jokes need to retire
Image credit: K9 Films, TEAM (Triyambh Entertainment And Media), Salman Khan Television, Banijay Asia
You might be wondering why we care so much if Kapil himself seemingly doesn’t. Are we millennial snowflakes who can’t take a joke? Or do we want jokes to not prey on someone’s insecurities and be built around things like a person’s physical appearance, which they can’t control?
Let’s be honest, Kapil Sharma still fits into the ‘conventional’ body type. However, many of the people who might be watching could be heavier than him. So, if a popular comedian gets called out for barely having a belly, how would it affect those who fall outside the body types that society deems as “normal”?
Many of us heavier folk watch our thin friends call themselves fat and wonder what the world must see us as, if that person thinks they’re fat. Such “jokes” are therefore a bit insensitive, no matter how well-meaning or light-hearted.
Kapil doesn’t need to have a six pack to post a shirtless photo. Him having a paunch is not a reason to shame him. He shouldn’t have to take it on the chin or be put in a position where he has to laugh it off, and nor do any of the men or women watching this. The onus shouldn’t be on the subject of such jokes to tolerate this bias.
Lead image credit: K9 Films, TEAM (Triyambh Entertainment And Media), Salman Khan Television, Banijay Asia
