The new reality show The 50 has been generating significant attention since its premiere, largely due to its dramatic confrontations, controversies, and celebrity participants. However, stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui recently sparked discussion after publicly criticizing the format of the show.
In a video shared on social media, Munawar described the concept as “torture,” humorously commenting on the unique premise where celebrities perform while fans stand to win money. He specifically referenced the early elimination of contestant Vanshaj Singh, who was voted out in the very first episode.
Munawar also took a satirical swipe at actors Prince Narula and Karan Patel for their role in the decision to eliminate Vanshaj. In his comedic style, he joked that their actions prevented Vanshaj from progressing further in the competition. He further commented on participant Manisha Rani, noting how she often appears sidelined during the show’s proceedings.
Reports suggest that the competition has already witnessed multiple eliminations, with 26 participants removed from challenges and seven formally sent home so far. Vanshaj Singh remains the first official contestant to exit the show.
Beyond his commentary on reality television, Munawar is also expanding his career into acting. He recently made his debut with the web series First Copy, which he says significantly changed his perspective on performing in front of the camera.
Speaking about the experience, Munawar explained that acting presented a new challenge compared to stand-up comedy. While he was already comfortable facing cameras, portraying a scripted character required a different skill set and preparation.
Set in the 1990s, First Copy tells the story of Arif, a young man from Mumbai who turns to film piracy after experiencing humiliation at work. The narrative explores his rise in the illegal distribution of movies during the era when VCD technology fueled widespread piracy.
As Arif builds his underground operation, he faces growing risks from law enforcement, particularly from a determined police officer pursuing the network. The series captures the tension between ambition and legality in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.
With his growing presence in both comedy and acting, Munawar continues to evolve professionally while maintaining his trademark sharp commentary on popular culture.
