Comedian Kunal Kamra’s latest stand-up act, ‘Naya Bharat,’ has sparked controversy, with Shiv Sena workers labeling him a ‘traitor’ for allegedly mentioning Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in his performance. Following the video’s viral spread on social media, Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Kamra had performed.
The venue had previously made headlines earlier this year when podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia faced backlash for making crude remarks during the filming of ‘India’s Got Latent.’ Allahbadia’s comments about ‘parents’ sex’ triggered outrage and police action in several areas, resulting in multiple complaints against him, comedian Samay Raina, and others associated with the show.
After the recent vandalism, the Habitat issued a statement on Monday, emphasizing its commitment to fostering creative dialogue and clarifying that it only serves as a platform for artists.
“We urge constructive conversations, not destruction, to address disagreements. We do not support hate or harm of any kind. Violence and destruction undermine the very spirit of art and dialogue,” the Habitat said in a post on their Instagram page.
According to a police official quoted by news agency PTI, Shiv Sena workers reached the hotel’s auditorium after Kamra’s remarks about Shinde gained traction on social media.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also posted the video on X, adding the caption, “Kunal Ka Kamal.”
Following the incident, the Habitat expressed shock over the vandalism in its statement, addressing the situation amid reports of the venue ‘shutting down.’
“We are shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us.
“Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices. We have never been involved in the content performed by any Artist, but the recent events have made us rethink about how we get blamed and targeted every time almost like we are a proxy for the performer,” the comedy club said.
“We are shutting down till we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy,” it added.
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What Did Kunal Kamra Say?
Kunal Kamra took a dig at Maharashtra politics and the upcoming elections, referencing the split factions of Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He remarked that “one guy” initiated the trend, using the term ‘gaddar’ (traitor) to describe the individual.
Following the remarks, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed a police complaint against the comedian. According to a Mumbai police official, Kamra also mocked the ruling NCP and Shiv Sena in the nearly two-minute video, and an investigation is currently underway.
In its statement, the Habitat clarified that it had no involvement in creating Kamra’s act and does not endorse the views expressed in it. “We extend a sincere and heartfelt apology to all those hurt by this video,” the venue added.
The video of Kamra’s jibe at Shinde was also posted on X by rival Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut by saying “Kunal Ka Kamal”. Kamra taunted Shinde using a modified version of a Hindi song from the film “Dil To Pagal Hai”, eliciting laughter from the audience. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske on Sunday warned Kamra that he would be chased by the party workers throughout the country. “You will be forced to flee India,” he said in a video message.
Calling Kamra a “contract comedian”, Mhaske said he should not have stepped on the “tail of a snake (apparently referring to Shinde)”. “Once the fangs are out, there will be dire consequences,” he warned.
The Thane MP also accused the comedian of accepting money from Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to target Shinde.
Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel warned that he would “show Kamra his level” and demanded an apology from the comedian.
Meanwhile, Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray condemned the vandalism at the show venue, describing it as a “cowardly” act.
In a post on X late Sunday night, Thackeray said, “Mindhe’s coward gang breaks the comedy show stage where comedian @kunalkamra88 put out a song on eknath mindhe, which was 100 per cent true. Only an insecure coward would react to a song by someone.” “By the way, law and order in the state? Another attempt to undermine the CM and Home Minister by Eknath Mindhe,” he said.
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