On a recent episode of India’s Got Latent, contestant Banti Banerjee sparked outrage by making an insensitive joke about Deepika Padukone’s struggle with depression. What was meant to pass as humor during a stand-up segment quickly snowballed into widespread criticism, turning into a significant conversation about mental health, comedy, and where to draw the line. Here’s the full story—who Banti Banerjee is, what was said, how people reacted, and why this incident matters.
Who Is Banti Banerjee?
Banti Banerjee is an aspiring comedian who rose to prominence through her appearances on India’s Got Latent, a talent show hosted by comedian Samay Raina. Known for her edgy humor, Banerjee often tackles bold topics, but this time, her attempt to land a joke took an insensitive turn.
On Instagram, Banti shares snippets of her performances under the handle @bantibanerjee_comedy, where her content usually features observational humor and witty takes on current events. However, her remarks about Deepika Padukone’s mental health have drawn widespread backlash, overshadowing her comedic journey.
What Happened on the Show?
During her set, Banerjee quipped:
“Deepika Padukone also became a mother recently, great! Now she knows what real depression looks like.”
The remark trivialized Padukone’s well-documented battle with depression and suggested that her earlier struggles were not genuine. While some members of the audience laughed, the joke didn’t sit well with viewers watching at home.
To make matters worse, the judges, including neurologist Dr. Sid Warrier and host Samay Raina, chuckled along instead of calling out the insensitivity. The laughter from the panel further fueled criticism, with many accusing the judges of endorsing the joke.
Public Backlash: Social Media Goes Wild
Once clips of the episode hit social media, the backlash was swift and brutal. Users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram expressed their outrage, accusing Banerjee of belittling mental health struggles.
One user on X wrote:
“This is so bad. People die because of depression. To laugh at someone because you think someone cooked up a fake story shows how insensitive and uneducated this person is.”
Another called out the panel:
“The entire panel should be ashamed. And to see that one of the panelists is a neurologist… Shameful!”
Mental health advocates and influencers also weighed in, emphasizing the damaging impact of dismissive comments on mental health. Several Instagram reels highlighted the controversy, with creators urging comedians to think twice before making light of serious issues.
Deepika Padukone: A Champion for Mental Health Awareness
Deepika Padukone’s journey with mental health has been a turning point for conversations about depression in India. In 2015, the actress opened up about her battle with depression, sharing how she experienced overwhelming feelings of emptiness and despair during the peak of her career.
Her decision to speak publicly was groundbreaking in a country where mental health is often considered taboo. Padukone credited her mother for recognizing the signs and encouraging her to seek professional help, which eventually led her to therapy and medication.
To further the cause, she founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation, which works to destigmatize mental health and provide resources for those struggling. Her openness has inspired countless individuals to seek help and start conversations around mental well-being.
Why Jokes Like This Are Harmful
Mocking mental health struggles is not just insensitive—it’s dangerous. Here’s why this incident struck such a chord:
Invalidates Personal Experiences: Banerjee’s joke implied that Deepika’s depression wasn’t “real,” which is dismissive and perpetuates harmful stereotypes about mental illness.
Reinforces Stigma: Mental health stigma is already a massive issue in India. Casual jokes like these discourage people from opening up about their struggles for fear of ridicule.
Misses the Mark on Comedy: Good comedy punches up, not down. Making someone’s pain the butt of a joke is not only lazy but also irresponsible.
Influence of Public Figures: With a platform as big as India’s Got Latent, the words of contestants and judges carry weight. This moment was an opportunity to advocate for mental health awareness, but it was wasted.
Banti Banerjee’s joke has sparked an essential conversation about comedy, mental health, and the need for empathy. While comedy often pushes boundaries, it should never trivialize struggles as significant as mental illness. Deepika Padukone’s journey has been a source of hope and inspiration for many, and her openness about depression deserves respect, not mockery.
As a society, we must stand against insensitivity and work toward normalizing discussions about mental health. Because while jokes may entertain, empathy and understanding truly make a difference.
