Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui releases first video after being released from jail   

Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui, who was arrested for allegedly making "filthy and indecent jokes" about Hindu Gods and Goddesses, posted his first video since being released from an Indore jail last week. Following the arrest, he was in the prison for nearly a month.

The 10-minute long clip was surprisingly titled "Munawar Faruqui Leaving Comedy". However, the 29-year-old stand-up comic soon clears the air around the title by apologising to his fans for the misleading title.

"I want to apologise to my fans. There is a typo in the title... Munawar Faruqui is not leaving comedy... Munawar Faruqui is living comedy. I can't quit... it (comedy) keeps me alive. Those who hate.. we will win them too," he can be heard saying in the video.

He goes on to say that he never intended to "hurt anybody".

"I have never wanted to hurt anybody... never wanted to be famous. I am a standup comic because it makes me happy. It's a passion. How can we hurt anyone? Entertainment and artists bring people together." Faruqui said.

He also slammed those who were using the internet to troll others. Faruqui said that the internet is for entertainment and information and not a place to make enemies.

After being denied bail thrice, he was finally granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on Feb 5. The Madhya Pradesh High Court on January 28 had said the possibility of more "incriminating material" could not be ruled out.

Munawar Faruqui was arrested along with five other comedians in Indore on January 1, on a complaint by Eklvaya Singh Gaur, son of BJP legislator Malini Gaur.

All six were accused of making "filthy and indecent jokes" about Hindu deities as well as Home Minister Amit Shah. Granting him bail, the top court had agreed that procedure was not followed during his arrest and the allegations in the FIR were vague.