Author of Gandhi Video Answers

Author of the controversial Gandhi video on YouTube.com, Gautham Prasad, has responded to the outrage in India. The New York based NRI, who makes a living by teaching Yoga and performing stand-up comedy acts says he did not think the video would be taken so seriously and that the video has been blown out of propotion.

Bangalore born Prasad told tat, "At this point I don't think pulling the video from YouTube would do much good. So many people have already seen it and many more people want to see it. I am still considering the matter. As an artist it is difficult to ascribe "reasons" to creativity. I thought of something effective and I performed it. Gandhi doing a pole dance is effective because Gandhi would NEVER DO a pole dance. The contrast creates the humor. The character I portray on stage is foolish enough to think this dance would be a good idea."

In an official statement in response to the controversy, Prasad said that he made this video and posted it on the internet as a marketing tool for his business as a performer. He stated, "If you look closely, you can see that I am wearing a clown nose. Why is this? I do this because I am not playing Mahatma Gandhi, I am playing a CHARACTER who is playing Gandhiji. I am playing a fool who thinks it would be a good idea to dress up like Gandhi and do this dance. In reality, I'm making fun of myself. I realize this distinction may be difficult to understand, but as a performer it is crucial”.

He says, "Nobody is above parody, and the clowns would parody kings and monarchs with no consequences. Furthermore, if Gandhiji were alive today what would he find more upsetting, my video or the violence in Darfur? What would hurt him more, my video, or the violence in Iraq? We have become so intent on idolizing Gandhiji that we have forgotten what he said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." We have confused the messenger with the message. If we truly want to honor him, we must uphold the principles he lived and died for. We must embody peace, compassion, and non-violence. So many of the people who criticize my video have threatened to stone me, hit me, or kill me. I don't think Gandhiji would approve."

Prasad has appealed to the public, to give him more feedback about the video. “Let them respond honestly, but remember that there are much more pressing issues in the world than a video that one can choose not to watch. I encourage those who did not like the video to tell their friends and family not to watch it. If they so choose, they have my support in telling the Indian government to ban the video from India entirely. It was not my intention to offend, only to entertain.”