Key Points:
- Comedian Kunal Kamra turned down an offer to join Bigg Boss, comparing the show to a “mental hospital.”
- Kamra is embroiled in controversy over his satirical remarks on Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, calling him a “traitor.”
- Shiv Sena workers vandalized the venue of Kamra’s comedy show following his comments.
- Kamra has secured interim bail in the matter while refusing to apologize for his remarks.
New Delhi: Comedian Kunal Kamra, known for his sharp political satire, has once again grabbed headlines by rejecting an offer to participate in the popular reality show Bigg Boss. Kamra shared a screenshot of his conversation with the show’s casting director on social media, where he humorously stated that he would “rather check into a mental hospital” than join the show. This revelation comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding his comments on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Kamra’s Response to Bigg Boss Offer
The casting director approached Kamra with a pitch highlighting Bigg Boss as a platform to showcase his “real vibe” and connect with a massive audience. Kamra responded with characteristic wit, dismissing the idea entirely. He shared the screenshot of the chat on Instagram, pairing it with a song from Salman Khan’s film Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai. While it remains unclear whether he was approached for Bigg Boss OTT 4 or Bigg Boss 19, Kamra’s rejection has sparked conversations about the show’s history of recruiting controversial personalities.
Kunal Kamra’s Controversy with Eknath Shinde
Kamra is currently in hot water over remarks made during a recent comedy performance. In his show at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio, he sang a parody song mocking Shinde’s rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, allegedly calling him a “traitor.” The clip went viral, leading to backlash from Shiv Sena supporters who vandalized the venue. Parts of the studio were even demolished by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Shinde criticized Kamra for targeting national institutions and prominent figures under the guise of free speech. Despite demands for an apology, Kamra has stood firm, refusing to bow to pressure.
Legal Troubles and Bail
The controversy escalated further when police summoned Kamra to join the investigation into his “traitor” remark. He failed to appear at Khar police station despite three summonses. However, Kamra secured interim anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court until April 7, granting him temporary protection from arrest outside Mumbai’s jurisdiction.
Kamra continues to challenge critics on social media while defending his right to satire. He recently accused ticketing platform BookMyShow of delisting his shows due to political pressure, demanding transparency and audience data from the company.
Bigg Boss: A Magnet for Controversy
Kamra’s rejection of Bigg Boss has reignited discussions about the show’s tendency to feature controversial figures. Over its many seasons, Bigg Boss has hosted personalities like Rakhi Sawant, KRK, Swami Om, and Imam Siddique—individuals who have often sparked drama and debates both inside and outside the house. The show thrives on controversy, making Kamra an ideal candidate given his outspoken nature and ongoing legal battles.
What’s Next for Kamra?
While Kamra remains embroiled in legal and political disputes, he continues to use humor as his weapon of choice. His refusal to participate in Bigg Boss underscores his commitment to staying true to his craft rather than succumbing to mainstream entertainment platforms. As investigations into his remarks progress, all eyes are on how this outspoken comedian navigates the storm surrounding him.
