Key Points:
- Comedian Kunal Kamra faces an FIR for defamation and public mischief after mocking Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in a parody song.
- Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai, where Kamra’s controversial show was recorded.
- Kamra released a satirical video titled “Hum Honge Kangal” mocking the protests and refused to apologize for his remarks.
- The comedian has sought a week’s time to respond to police summons issued by Khar Police Station.
Mumbai: Comedian Kunal Kamra has found himself at the center of a political and legal storm after his satirical remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sparked outrage among Shiv Sena supporters. The controversy began when Kamra shared a clip from his stand-up special “Naya Bharat” on social media, where he parodied a popular Bollywood song to mock Shinde’s 2022 political rebellion. The video, which indirectly referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor), went viral, triggering strong reactions.
FIR Filed Against Kamra
Following complaints by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, an FIR was registered against Kamra under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including defamation and public mischief. The case was initially filed at MIDC Police Station in Andheri and later transferred to Khar Police Station. Kamra has been summoned for questioning but has requested a week’s time to appear, citing his current stay in Puducherry.
Shiv Sena Protests Turn Violent
The backlash escalated when Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Kamra had performed his show. Videos of the incident showed workers hurling chairs, scattering documents, and damaging property. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also partially demolished parts of the venue. Twelve Shiv Sena members were arrested but later released on bail.
Eknath Shinde defended his party’s reaction, stating, “Freedom of speech has limits. Action causes reaction.” However, opposition leaders criticized the vandalism as an attack on free speech.
Kamra’s Satirical Response
Unfazed by the controversy, Kamra released another satirical video titled “Hum Honge Kangal” (We Will Be Paupers), mocking both the protests and the state of governance. The video features footage of Shiv Sena workers vandalizing the comedy club interspersed with Kamra singing modified lyrics like “Mann mein andhvishwas, desh ka satyanash” (Blind faith in our minds, destruction of the nation). The parody has reignited debates on political satire and freedom of expression in India.
Kamra Refuses to Apologize
Kamra has made it clear that he will not apologize for his remarks. In a statement, he said, “Our right to freedom of speech is not limited to flattering those in power.” He also criticized the targeting of venues like Habitat Comedy Club, calling it “as senseless as overturning a truck carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken served.”
While Kamra expressed willingness to cooperate with legal proceedings, he questioned whether equal action would be taken against those responsible for vandalism.
What Lies Ahead?
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between artistic freedom and political sensitivities in India. With no plans to back down, Kamra’s defiance continues to draw both support and criticism. As legal proceedings unfold, this incident raises broader questions about the boundaries of satire and free speech in a polarized political climate.
