Bharti slammed for ‘body shaming’ Ayesha Khan on Laughter Chefs: what happened and why it matters

A clip from Laughter Chefs Season 3 has stirred fresh debate about the limits of televised comedy after comedian Bharti Singh made a remark about actress Ayesha Khan that many viewers called body shaming. The short exchange — aired while the cast of Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 was promoting their film — quickly went viral, prompting criticism from social media users and industry voices alike.

What happened on Laughter Chefs — the moment involving Ayesha Khan

During the episode, the film’s actresses — including Ayesha Khan — entered the set dancing. In an attempt at humour, Bharti compared Ayesha’s height to comedian Krushna Abhishek, saying that seeing her made him think Krushna had returned because she was so tall. The joke visibly made Ayesha uncomfortable; another guest, Parul Gulati, even intervened and told Bharti the remark was unnecessary. The clip circulated widely on social platforms soon after the episode aired.

Why people reacted strongly

Viewers felt the joke crossed a line because it focused on Ayesha Khan’s physical attributes in a way that appeared belittling rather than playful. Many social-media users described the exchange as body shaming and questioned why a mainstream comedy show would single out a woman’s appearance for laughs. Several commentators said the incident underlines a broader problem: how casual remarks on television can reinforce harmful norms about bodies and appearance.

The clip, the backlash, and the viral spread

Short video clips from entertainment shows often travel fast on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and YouTube Shorts. This Laughter Chefs moment was no different: once shared, it generated thousands of reactions within hours — from calls for accountability to debates about whether comedians should be “off limits” while pregnant or otherwise. Coverage from multiple outlets ensured the story reached an even larger audience, amplifying public reaction.

Ayesha Khan’s position and public response

As the target of the joke, Ayesha Khan looked visibly uncomfortable on-screen and did not respond aggressively; that restraint shaped much of the public reaction. Many viewers defended her, pointing out that the burden should be on hosts and comedians to avoid jokes that single out a guest’s body. The incident also sparked supportive messages from parts of the entertainment community who argued for more respectful treatment of performers on talk and promotion shows.

Why the episode matters for on-air humour

Comedy thrives on surprise and exaggeration, but cultural conversations about consent and respect have made audiences less tolerant of humour that punches down. When a joke targets a personal physical trait — height, weight, gendered appearance — it can shift from comedic banter to a moment that alienates both guests and viewers. This is the line critics say Bharti crossed in her exchange with Ayesha Khan.

Bharti Singh’s response and the “pregnancy” remark

After the backlash, media reports noted Bharti offered an apology on-air, and some outlets quoted her as saying “sorry, I am pregnant,” in response to criticism — a remark that itself triggered further commentary about deflecting responsibility. Whether this explanation is accepted by viewers depends on personal views about intent versus impact: some accepted the apology; others felt a more direct acknowledgement of harm would have been better.

What broadcasters and creators can learn

This episode offers several practical lessons for producers, hosts and writers:

• Be mindful of targets: Guests who are there to promote a project should not be put on the defensive by jokes about their bodies.
• Distinguish between playful and harmful: A quick check — “Would this land if said about X person’s identity or body?” — can prevent many problems.
• Respond constructively to harm: An apology that acknowledges impact, rather than an explanation that centers the joker’s circumstances, tends to rebuild trust more effectively.
• Think about editing: Producers who air segments with risky jokes should consider whether those bits serve the segment or just provoke controversy.

Tips for viewers and creators navigating similar incidents

If you’re a viewer upset by on-air comments, consider these steps: call out the behaviour calmly on social platforms, encourage the show to issue a clear apology, and support the person who was targeted rather than amplifying abusive responses. For creators: use pre-broadcast discussions and sensitivity reads for material that touches on appearance, gender or other personal characteristics. These small practices reduce the chance of hurtful moments making it to air.

Final takeaways: respect matters more than a punchline

The Laughter Chefs clip involving Ayesha Khan is a reminder that humour isn’t created in a vacuum. Intent doesn’t erase impact, and when comedy targets personal attributes it risks alienating audiences and harming guests. As public conversations around body positivity and respectful representation grow, broadcasters and comedians will need to adapt their approach — not to neuter humour, but to make it sharper, smarter and kinder. That evolution would benefit everyone: hosts, guests, and audiences alike.

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