The video, shot in the US, shows Prasad clad in Gandhi's trademark attire, pole dancing and stripping for an audience. Records on YouTube show the video, called 'Time to get sexy' was uploaded a month ago.
While Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, saw members of Gandhi Sena holding a silent protest, Varanasi saw a more violent one. Students of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, stopped a train from leaving the Varanasi station and threatened to call for a state-wide shutdown, while the silent protesters demanded action against Gautham Prasad. Children also joined the protest by singing religious songs.
To add fuel to the controversy, two Hindi news channels have been issued a notice by Information and Broadcasting Minister P. R. Dasmunsi, demanding an apology to the nation in their telecasts during prime time, for showing the offensive clip on air. He also warned the Indian media against any attempt to copy or publish the same. The TV channels have now expressed regret, saying they telecast the capsule to expose how the "Father of the Nation was being insulted".
The man in the eye of the storm, Gautham Prasad performed as a clown with Ringling Brothers circus for two years. He currently lives in New York and makes a living by teaching Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and performing stand up comedies.
A message by Prasad, alongside the video says, "The following video portrays Mahatma Gandhi in a way that many people feel is offensive. Please do not view the following video if you may be offended. Furthermore, I sincerely apologize for any offense this video has already caused." However, the man has not taken the video off YouTube yet.
The Google spokesperson in India says they have not received a formal complaint to pull daown the video, but said in a statement, "We take matters such as this seriously and are currently reviewing the clip to determine the best course of action. These issues are complicated as the Internet is an international phenomenon. While technology can bring great opportunity and access to information globally, it can also present new and unique cultural challenges."
The spokesperson gave no indication of whether Google will take action against the said video.
NRI's Gandhi Video On YouTube Under Fire
By: Priyanka Pradhan
| Jan 13,2007
Hawaii-based NRI comedian, Gautham Prasad has created a huge controversy in India, with his parody of Mahatma Gandhi. The 3 minute 24 second act, on Google's video sharing site, YouTube, has resulted in angry protests across Ahmedabad , Bhubhaneshwar, Varanasi, with the vulgar portrayal of Gandhi.
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Aji @ Aug 13,2007
Sanjay @ Jan 15,2007
If some one miles away, can pop up something that can bring a complete shutdown of our state affairs such as transport, trade, academics or anything, then who will lose? Protests on external happenings should be in such as way that nothing is harmed inside.
Bandh, hartal, or any kind of such nation wide strikes on these issues show our vulnerability in doing harm to ourselves. In this way, people like Gautham Prasad will continue to gain popularity, at our expense. We have to refine our thoughts and actions to have a stable society.
Jiji Joseph @ Jan 14,2007
Reetesh @ Jan 14,2007
vv @ Jan 14,2007
yusuf f.b. @ Jan 14,2007
SS @ Jan 14,2007
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