New Delhi, June 12, 2025 — After a five-year hiatus, Navjot Singh Sidhu has made his highly anticipated return to The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix, formerly known as The Kapil Sharma Show. His comeback marks a major moment in Indian television, rekindling nostalgia and sparking discussions about the events that led to his earlier exit.
Sidhu’s Exit After Pulwama Controversy
In February 2019, shortly after the Pulwama terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF jawans, Sidhu stirred national outrage with his remarks. While condemning the attack, he controversially said:
"For a handful of people, can you blame the entire nation?"
These words, perceived by many as insensitive, triggered widespread criticism. Viewers demanded his removal from The Kapil Sharma Show, prompting Sony Entertainment Television to replace Sidhu with Archana Puran Singh.
Though the network never issued a formal explanation, public sentiment and political sensitivity were likely key factors behind the decision.
Political Commitments Added to Exit Pressure
At the time of the controversy, Sidhu was serving as a cabinet minister in the Punjab government, making it increasingly difficult to balance his political responsibilities with his television career. The combination of his political engagements and public outrage accelerated his departure from the show.
Sidhu Faces ₹850 Crore Legal Notice Over 'Cancer Cure' Diet Claim
Sidhu faced fresh controversy in November 2024, when he publicly credited a special diet for his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s recovery from cancer. At a press conference in Amritsar, he shared details of a regimen that included raw turmeric, neem leaves, amla juice, and the complete avoidance of dairy and sugar.
The statement was shared widely on social media with captions such as:
"Treatment + Diet—Great combination for Cancer cure!"
This claim was met with strong backlash from medical professionals, cancer survivors, and public health advocates who warned of the dangers of spreading unverified medical advice. The Chhattisgarh Civil Society issued an ₹850 crore legal notice, demanding scientific proof and a public clarification.
Sidhu later posted a video statement on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
"Doctors are like God to me... whatever we did was in consultation with medical professionals, including my wife who is a doctor herself."
Old Pakistan Controversy Resurfaces
Sidhu’s name has also been linked to controversy over his close ties with former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. A viral video once showed Sidhu greeting and hugging a Pakistani official, referring to him as “bada bhai” (big brother). This move drew ire from critics and political opponents, given the strained India-Pakistan relations at the time.
Public Reaction to Sidhu's Return
Despite his controversial past, Sidhu's return has been largely welcomed by fans of the show, many of whom have expressed excitement about his trademark laughter, poetic one-liners, and witty presence.
His comeback appears to signal not just a return to television but also a soft rebranding of his public image.