Mumbai: Actress Ayesha Khan, who has been enjoying a surge in popularity following her special appearance in Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar, has recently found herself at the centre of an unexpected controversy. While the actress has been receiving praise for her dance performance in the song Shararat and for her role in Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, a remark made by comedian Bharti Singh on a television show has sparked widespread criticism on social media.
Ayesha Khan’s latest film Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, directed by Anukalp Goswami, released in theatres on December 12. The film is a sequel to Kapil Sharma’s 2015 comedy Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon and features an ensemble cast including Warina Hussain, Tridha Choudhury and Parul Gulati alongside Ayesha. As part of the film’s promotions, the cast appeared on Laughter Chefs Season 3, a popular comedy show hosted by Bharti Singh.
The remark that triggered controversy
During the promotional episode, the cast of Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 made a grand entry, dancing to the film’s song Pehli Uddi Furr. As the four actresses walked in, Bharti Singh made a comment that quickly became the focal point of the episode.
Referring to Ayesha Khan, Bharti said in Hindi, “Jab saari heroine aayi na, mujhe Ayesha ko dekh ke laga, Krushna phir se aa gaya, kyunki uski tarah lambi hai na.” Translated loosely, she compared Ayesha’s tall frame to that of comedian Krushna Abhishek, implying that Ayesha reminded her of him because of her height.
The comment appeared to leave Ayesha visibly uncomfortable. She was seen moving away from Bharti and towards Kapil Sharma, who was also present on the set. Sensing the awkwardness of the moment, Kapil intervened and asked Bharti, “Was this a compliment or what?”
Co-stars react on set
The situation was further addressed when Parul Gulati stepped in and directly told Bharti that she should not have made the remark. Attempting to defuse the tension, Bharti responded by saying, “Sorry, I am pregnant,” a comment that did little to placate viewers once the clip circulated online.
The exchange, though brief, struck a chord with audiences, many of whom felt that the remark crossed the line from humour into insensitivity. A video clip of the incident was later shared on Reddit, where it quickly gained traction.
Social media outrage and criticism
Online reactions were swift and largely critical of Bharti Singh. Several users described the joke as “weird,” “mean” and “plain disrespectful,” particularly towards women. One Reddit user wrote, “Bharti needs to leave, this wasn’t funny and plain disrespectful to bigger-sized women. Even though Ayesha isn’t even that.”
Another comment read, “I’m glad the cast didn’t find it funny,” highlighting the discomfort visible among the guests on the show. A particularly sharp reaction pointed out the irony of the situation, stating, “Bharti is rude with most women on the show, participants or guests, and body-shaming jibes from someone who made it big as a comedian sheerly for the way she looked are brave.”
The backlash reignited conversations around body-shaming and the responsibility of comedians and television hosts, especially on widely watched family shows. Many viewers stressed that humour should not come at the cost of someone’s dignity, regardless of intent.
Ayesha Khan’s rising profile
The controversy comes at a time when Ayesha Khan’s career graph is on an upward curve. Her appearance in Dhurandhar, one of the biggest blockbusters of 2025, brought her significant attention, particularly her dance number Shararat, which went viral on social media.
With Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 now in theatres, Ayesha is being seen as one of the promising faces in commercial Hindi cinema. While the film’s box-office performance is still unfolding, her presence in two high-profile projects within a short span has firmly placed her in the spotlight.
Bharti Singh and public scrutiny
Bharti Singh, one of India’s most recognisable television comedians, is no stranger to controversy. Known for her outspoken humour and on-stage banter, she has often walked a fine line between comedy and offence. Currently expecting her second child with husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa, Bharti continues to be a regular presence on television.
However, the latest incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of the tone and content of jokes made on comedy shows, especially when they involve personal attributes such as appearance.
Conclusion
The backlash against Bharti Singh’s remark serves as a reminder of the changing expectations from public figures in the entertainment industry. As audiences become more vocal about issues of sensitivity and respect, moments that once passed as casual jokes are now being examined more critically. For Ayesha Khan, the incident has sparked an unnecessary controversy, even as her professional journey continues to gain momentum.