New Delhi, Feb. 11 -- As Ranveer Allahbadia faces backlash for his controversial joke on Samay Raina's India's Got Latent, an old video of Javed Akhtar sharing his views on cuss words in comedy has resurfaced. The poet-lyricist discussed the topic during a conversation with comedians Sapan Verma, Biswa Kalyan Rath and Shreeja Chaturvedi on Chill Sesh. The video was released on YouTube in October 2024.

When asked if cuss words is acceptable in comedy, Akhtar compared it to chilli in food. According to him, people often use more spice to make bland food tastier. Similarly, he said, gaali is like chilli in language. Those with strong language skills and wit do not need it to entertain people.

As everyone laughed out loud, Sapan Verma said,...