India, June 8 -- The Indian stand-up comedy scene has seen significant changes over the last decade or so. From an underground phenomenon, stand-up comedy in India has blossomed into a mainstream industry, propelled by streaming platforms, social media, and arena tours across the country.

However, the heightened visibility is accompanied by increased criticism. As a result, in a nation as rich as India in terms of culture, politics, and religion, humor becomes difficult to distinguish from controversy. A joke that makes an impact on one group can easily be a source of outrage for another, while social media has brought an exponential increase in the number of controversial jokes.

With arrests, legal notices, and even public protests bec...