Mumbai witnessed political turmoil on Sunday after alleged stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra made a controversial statement against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a live performance. The show, held at the Habitat Studio in Khar, saw Kamra parody a popular song from the Bollywood movie Dil To Pagal Hai, referring to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). The jibe did not sit well with Shiv Sena workers, who retaliated by vandalizing Hotel Unicontinental, where the performance took place.
According to police reports, the protestors ransacked the venue and demanded strict action against Kamra. An FIR was later registered against Yuva Sena General Secretary Rahool Kanal and 19 others under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Maharashtra Police Act.
Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel also filed an FIR against Kamra, stating that the alleged comedian had insulted their leader. Patel issued an ultimatum to Kunal Kamra, demanding an apology within two days. He warned that if he failed to do so, Kamra would have to face restrictions in Mumbai.
“If he is seen in public, we will paint his face black. We will also raise this issue in the assembly and demand action from the home minister,” Patel stated.
Party leaders further dismissed Kamra as a “hired comedian” paid to defame Shinde.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Mhaske said, “Let alone Maharashtra, Kamra cannot go anywhere in India freely. Shiv Sainiks will ensure he faces consequences.”
Following the political uproar, Mumbai Police registered two separate FIRs, one against Kamra for his “derogatory” comments and the other against the Shiv Sena workers involved in the vandalism. As per police sources, Yuva Sena General Secretary Rahool Kanal surrendered, while authorities are tracking Kamra’s whereabouts outside Mumbai.
The police have also arrested 11 Shiv Sena workers in connection with the destruction of the Habitat Studio, where the performance was filmed.
‘Mere ko toh acha laga, acha kiya’: Kunal Kamra when Kangana Ranaut’s office was demolished by the BMC.
Sanjay Raut was mocking the demolition, and this was Kamra’s response. Before you stand for his ‘freedom of speech’, do watch this. Just an observation. pic.twitter.com/nH5FZIEFIx
— Tushar Gupta (@Tushar15_) March 24, 2025
In the wake of the controversy, the Habitat Studio announced its temporary closure.
“We are shocked and broken by the vandalism. Artists are responsible for their content, yet we face the consequences. We must rethink how to protect free expression while ensuring our safety,” the studio said in a statement.
The Internet has got divided into two factions, one supporting the comedian and the other highlighting the hypocricy of Kunal Kamra who once mocked and supported the destruction of Kanagana Ranaut’s office by the BMC under the Shiv Sena government led by Uddhav Thackeray. Incidentally, seeking pleasure out of the excesses of the Uddhav Thackeray government, Kamra who was accompanied by uncouth politician Sanjay Raut had brazenly said, “Mere ko accha laga… accha kiya“.
