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At the Chetak Screen Awards 2026, comedian Zakir Khan sparked a massive industry rift by calling out Bollywood’s “hypocrisy” regarding the record-breaking success of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge. Utilizing his “Sakht Launda” persona, Zakir’s explosive hosting stint has effectively split the entertainment world into two camps.
The Jibe That Shook Bandra and Juhu
While co-hosting the star-studded event alongside Alia Bhatt and Sunil Grover, Zakir Khan didn’t hold back. Addressing the massive success of the Ranveer Singh-starrer, which recently became the first Hindi film to cross the ₹1,000 crore net mark in India, Zakir pointed out the discrepancy between public congratulations and behind-the-scenes envy.
“Aap Instagram par kitne hi ‘Congratulations’ waale posts daal dein, magar sach toh yeh hai ke Dhurandhar se sabki jali toh hai,” Zakir quipped, leading to a mix of gasps and nervous laughter from the front-row celebrities.
He further intensified the roast with a line that has since become a viral meme: “Film mein bomb fate Lyari (Pakistan) mein, magar dhuaan Bandra aur Juhu se nikal raha hai.” (In the film, bombs went off in Lyari, but the smoke is rising from Bandra and Juhu). The comment was a direct hit at the Bollywood elite who are rumored to be unsettled by the “outsider” energy and unprecedented scale of Aditya Dhar’s spy epic.
Bollywood Divided: Ameesha Patel and Siddharth Anand React
The roast has not been taken lightly by everyone. Veteran actress Ameesha Patel was one of the first to voice her displeasure, reportedly telling the comedian to “stop spreading negativity” at a celebratory event. Director Siddharth Anand also weighed in, suggesting that while humor is welcome, it shouldn’t come at the cost of industry unity.
On the other hand, netizens have hailed Zakir as a “truth-teller,” praising him for highlighting the gatekeeping often seen in the film fraternity.
The “Dhurandhar 2” Phenomenon
The context behind Zakir’s roast is the unstoppable momentum of Dhurandhar 2. As of April 12, 2026, the film has reached a staggering ₹1,068 crore net in India and is marching toward ₹1,700 crore worldwide. Despite the ongoing IPL fever, the film saw a 90% growth this Saturday, proving that the audience’s love for the Ranveer Singh-Sanjay Dutt starrer is far from fading.
Trade analysts suggest that the “insider-outsider” debate reignited by Zakir might actually help the film’s fourth-week collections as fans flock to support what they perceive as a “people’s blockbuster.”
The Bittersweet Context: Zakir Khan’s Career Hiatus
What makes this controversy even more significant is that it comes just months before Zakir Khan’s planned long-term break from the industry. Earlier this year, Zakir announced that he would be stepping away from live comedy after June 20, 2026, potentially until 2030, citing health issues and a decade of non-stop touring.
Many believe this “no-filter” version of Zakir at the Screen Awards is a result of him having nothing left to prove. He is going out on his own terms, leaving the industry with a burn that won’t heal anytime soon.
Key Highlights of the Controversy:
- The Statement: “Dhurandhar se sabki jali hai” (Everyone is jealous of Dhurandhar).
- The Target: The Bollywood elite in Bandra and Juhu.
- The Backdrop: Dhurandhar 2 crossing ₹1,000 crore in India.
- The Aftermath: Heated social media debates and a potential rift between stand-up comics and film directors.
As the video clips of the roast continue to rack up millions of views, one thing is clear: Zakir Khan has ensured that even if he goes on a hiatus, his name will remain at the center of Bollywood conversations for a long time.
