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Mumbai’s renowned Habitat Studio has temporarily closed its doors following a series of events sparked by comedian Kunal Kamra’s recent performance. During his act, Kamra presented a satirical piece targeting Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, referring to him as a “gaddar” (traitor) and parodying a popular Hindi song to underscore his point. This portrayal alluded to Shinde’s 2022 political move, where he led a faction that split from the Shiv Sena, resulting in the collapse of Uddhav Thackeray’s government.
The performance, shared on Kamra’s Instagram, elicited strong reactions from Shinde’s supporters. On Sunday night, members of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) allegedly vandalized the Habitat Studio, located within the Unicontinental Hotel in Mumbai’s Khar area. The group reportedly damaged both the studio and hotel property in retaliation for Kamra’s remarks.
In response to the vandalism, Mumbai Police arrested 11 individuals connected to the incident. Additionally, an FIR was registered against Kamra for his alleged defamatory comments about Shinde.
The comedian has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the investigation but shared an image of himself holding the Indian Constitution on social media, captioned: “The only way forward.” Studio
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also intervened, sending officials to inspect the Unicontinental Hotel premises. They identified unauthorized constructions, including a temporary shed at the entrance, and initiated demolition procedures.
Amid these developments, Habitat Studio announced its temporary closure. Expressing distress over the vandalism, the studio emphasized that artists are solely responsible for their content and that the venue does not endorse individual viewpoints. They stated: “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.” The Times of IndiaAP News+2The Times of India+2www.ndtv.com+2
This incident has reignited debates about freedom of expression in India. While some political figures, like Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have condemned Kamra’s remarks and called for an apology, others, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, have criticized the vandalism, labeling it as “hooliganism” and emphasizing the importance of free speech in a democracy. The Economic Times
The situation underscores the ongoing tension between artistic expression and political sensitivities in the country.
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