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Kunal Kamra’s stand-up show ‘Naya Bharat’ faced backlash from Shiv Sena workers, who labeled him a ‘traitor’ over his comments on Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, sparking controversy.
Comedian Kunal Kamra’s latest standup show, ‘Naya Bharat’, has ignited a major controversy after his remarks about Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The comedian’s comments during his performance allegedly led Shiv Sena workers to call him a ‘traitor’. The backlash soon escalated into violence when Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, the venue where Kamra had performed.
The incident unfolded after a video clip from Kamra’s standup act went viral on social media. In the video, Kunal Kamra Kamra made sarcastic remarks about Shinde, mocking his political affiliations and actions. The comedian used the term ‘gaddar’ (traitor) while referring to Shinde, which stirred the anger of Shiv Sena (UBT) members. The controversy became even more intense when the video was shared by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on his social media handle, captioning it with “Kunal Ka Kamal” (Kunal’s Flower), referring to Kamra’s mockery of Shinde.
The Habitat Comedy Club, which has been the focal point of the controversy, had gained attention earlier this year for another issue involving podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia. Allahbadia had made inappropriate comments during the shooting of the show ‘India’s Got Latent’, leading to outrage and police action. The venue, however, is not the first to face criticism for hosting controversial performances.
Following the destruction at their property, Habitat issued a statement on social media condemning the violence and expressing shock over the acts of vandalism. They reiterated their commitment to providing a space for creative expression and dialogue, calling for constructive discussions rather than destructive actions. The venue stated, “We support creative dialogue and provide artists a platform to perform. We do not support hate or harm of any kind. Violence and destruction undermine the very spirit of art and dialogue.”
The statement further emphasized that while Habitat provides a stage for performances, they are not responsible for the content of the acts. The club clarified, “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.”
Due to the ongoing threats and vandalism, Habitat announced that they would temporarily shut down the venue until they figure out the best way to ensure the safety of their property and provide a platform for free expression without putting anyone at risk. They also issued a heartfelt apology for any hurt caused by Kunal Kamra performance, adding, “We extend a sincere and heartfelt apology to all those hurt by this video.”
The reaction from Shiv Sena’s political representatives was swift and severe. Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel lodged an official complaint against Kamra, and the police have initiated an investigation into the matter. Kunal Kamra remarks, which also mocked the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena, further fueled the political tension. The comedian, who is known for his biting political commentary, took jabs at the factionalism within Maharashtra’s political landscape, particularly the split in Shiv Sena and the NCP.
In the video that has garnered attention, Kunal Kamra altered the lyrics of a popular Hindi song from the film Dil To Pagal Hai to taunt Shinde, eliciting laughter from the audience. The comedian’s mocking tone, combined with his critical stance on the political scenario, sparked outrage among Shiv Sena supporters. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske threatened Kamra, warning that the comedian would be chased by party workers across the country and forced to flee India.
Mhaske also referred to Kamra as a “contract comedian” and claimed that the comedian had accepted money from Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of Shiv Sena, alleging that Kamra was targeting Shinde deliberately. Mhaske’s warning to Kamra, which included references to “dire consequences,” indicates the severity of the political and personal animosities stirred by the comedian’s act.
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The controversy surrounding Kamra’s performance raises significant questions about the balance between free speech and political sensitivity. While the comedian defended his right to express his views through satire, the violent response from Shiv Sena workers and the subsequent shutdown of the Habitat Comedy Club highlight the tense political atmosphere in Maharashtra. This incident serves as a reminder of the increasingly polarized climate in Indian politics and the challenges faced by artists who engage in political satire.
As investigations continue, the case remains a critical point of discussion regarding the limits of free expression and the repercussions of political criticism in contemporary India.
