'Bombay Comedy Mafia': Abhishek Upmanyu and Urooj Ashfaq accused of stealing jokes, personal details

Comedian Neetu Bhardwaj has leveled allegations against fellow comedians Abhishek Upmanyu and Urooj Ashfaq. She claimed that people were following her and her family in Mumbai. She also claimed that their phones and social media accounts were hacked. She shared her concerns on Instagram.

In her Instagram post, Neetu described feeling insecure in her daily activities. She claimed she was followed while visiting grocery stores and walking in parks. She referred to those allegedly involved as “Mumbai’s comedy mafia”. Her post was titled Upmanyu and Urooj while referencing others.

Guys, Mumbai comedy mafia Upmanyu and Urooj and others are chasing me everywhere. Me and my family are really dangerous. All our phones are hacked (sic),” she wrote in her post.

Neetu further claimed that private calls were overheard and personal information was stolen. She claimed that this information was also shared with others. She said these people will be held responsible if anything happens to her family.

“All our phones are hacked, all calls are heard, all your personal and private information is stolen and spread. Even if I go to the nearby grocery store or walk in the park, I’m being watched. If something happens to me or any of my family members, it’s on these people,” she wrote on Instagram.

In her Instagram Stories, Neetu accused comedian Shashwat Maheshwari of accessing her social media accounts. She also claimed that her original comedy material was copied.

Her Instagram Stories included angry remarks about theft and stand-up comedy. She allegedly told those involved to steal openly rather than present themselves as comedians.

“Aap chori karni hai seedha karo, chori me sabse zada paisa hai. And seedha paisa hai. Mere ghar me mat karo bas. Seedha paisa hai, no diaries hai bech me, on mics hain, no netflixx hai on YouTube hai. Seedha chorou karo as one of her cam Instagram hai. Stories.

A rough translation might be: “If you want to steal, do it openly. Stealing makes the most money. And it’s easy money. Just don’t steal in my house. It’s easy money. No diaries, microphones, Netflix or YouTube. Just steal openly. Why pretend to be stand-up artists?”

“The less talent they have…”

Another Instagram story criticized people she described as lacking talent but displaying pride and arrogance. She also criticized those who applauded them. In another note, she said that God gave her a huge talent besides the “mafia”.

“The less talent they have, the more pride, vanity and arrogance they have. But all these fools find other fools to applaud them,” she wrote.

Neetu also made a sarcastic comment about cameras invading her most private spaces. She suggested that sharing such footage could embarrass her and damage her reputation.

“Why didn’t you ask me for ideas?” she asked.