All of us woke up to Twitter buzzing with videos of Will Smith punching comedian Chris Rock on the stage of the 94th Academy Awards ceremony after the latter made a joke about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith. The internet was divided on this incident that took place between the two entertainers.
Here's the moment Chris Rock made a "G.I. Jane 2" joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, prompting Will Smith to punch him and yell, "Leave my wife’s name out of your f–king mouth." #Oscars pic.twitter.com/kHTZXI6kuL
— Variety (@Variety) March 28, 2022
But amid all the chaos, desis were reminded of a somewhat similar incident that happened between Indian film director Ashutosh Gowariker and actor Sajid Khan at an awards function back in 2009.
In a similar fashion, Ashutosh Gowariker gave an earful to Sajid Khan, who was hosting the Screen Awards, for making fun of Harman Baweja’s “non-existent acting skills”. This is what triggered Gowariker and he lashed out at Khan when he came to the stage to receive an award for ‘Best Film’.
https://t.co/5XbIiU2ORq pic.twitter.com/yl8CtUzEo1
— 𓃱 (@mintcvre) March 28, 2022
Gowariker can be seen saying, “On one side I am feeling very happy that I received an award for the ‘Best Film’. But I don’t think the demeanor of the award night has been at a good standard. No offense Sajid, no offense Farah (referring to Sajid’s sister Farah Khan), personal remarks can be made even by me, fun can be made even by me.”
“You should go ahead, Ashu,” intervened Sajid.
“No Sajid, I won’t. There’s a difference,” responded Gowariker.
“It’s a TV show,” quipped Khan.
“Sorry, don’t interrupt,” said a visibly annoyed Gowariker.
The Gowariker-Khan clash on live TV blew so much out of proportion that it is still remembered by desi junta.
Looks like Will Smith just raised the bar for Ashutosh Gowariker.
— Debayan Sen (ਦੇਬਾਯਨ) (@debayansen) March 28, 2022
It's Oscars day today but always remember Ashutosh Gowariker beefed with Sajid Khan in Screen Awards 2009, and nothing can beat that.
— tithi trashcan (@titsandbitss) March 27, 2022
The OG Will Smith-Chris Rock were Ashutosh Gowariker-Sajid Khan. Ashutosh didn't have muscle as well as sense of humor. https://t.co/uyfcVuOSBB
— Prathmesh (@iampratham) March 28, 2022
If Ashutosh Gowariker had made a little effort, India could have come first. If you know, you know.
— Neha Sharma (@mmiinniii) March 28, 2022
Turns out ashutosh gowariker was way more decent…
— atastyanimal 🌲🥑🌈 (@roshankokane9) March 28, 2022
How did Ashutosh Gowariker handled himself better than Will Smith?
— bhatiboyy (@BhatiYash222) March 28, 2022
This #Oscars scene reminded me of Star Screen Award 2009 where Ashutosh Gowariker went full mad on Sajid and Farah Khan who made sneaky remarks on his movie which won the Screen award.. haha good ol' days of bollywood award shows.. 😂😂
— . (@AnasMagnificent) March 28, 2022
Loved Will Smith as Ashutosh Gowariker
— Anand singh (@Anandsi52798350) March 28, 2022
If this incident took place earlier, Ashutosh Gowariker definitely would have slapped Sajid Khan. https://t.co/qqCpBydtMw
— Abhishek (@AbhishekKirsten) March 28, 2022
Will Smith smacked Chris Rock live on Oscars😳..
Hollywood's own Sajid Khan-Ashutosh Gowariker moment :"#Oscar https://t.co/aH4PTVnXel— pinkman_says💤 (@aboysayshi) March 28, 2022
Oscars just witnessed a Sajid Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker version of argument. The only difference is one got slapped and others laughed. Madness.#Oscars2022 #WillSmith #ChrisRock #Hollywood
— Karan Dhillon ƪϐ (@kd_jk91) March 28, 2022
Oh my God. You got to feel for Ashutosh Gowariker he must feel severely underwhelmed after watching today's Oscars drama for having stopped at 'Shut Up'.
— Nishant Kaushik (@nofreecopies) March 28, 2022
Well, at least someone channelized his anger better. Also, see how the internet definitely never forgets?