Latest in Kunal Kamra Controversy: Comedian's 'gaddar' remark on Eknath Shinde sparks political storm—Here's what transpired

Kunal Kamra Row: Comedian Kunal Kamra has found himself in hot water after allegedly calling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a 'traitor' during a stand-up performance. Kamra made the remark while parodying a popular Hindi song from Dil To Pagal Hai, which quickly gained attention when shared on YouTube and Instagram. Following the video's viral spread, the Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Kamra for allegedly defaming Shinde during the show.

The video sparked anger among Shinde’s supporters, leading to violent protests at the Mumbai venue where the performance was recorded. On Sunday, Shiv Sena workers vandalised the premises and issued threats against Kamra, warning him against moving freely. In response to the uproar, Kamra shared a picture on X (formerly Twitter) of himself holding a pocket-sized edition of the Constitution of India with the caption, “The only way forward.”

Vandalism and FIR against Kamra

The video led to protests, and on Sunday night, several Shiv Sena workers gathered outside Hotel Unicontinental, where the Habitat Studio is located. They allegedly ransacked the venue and hotel premises. In response, Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel filed a complaint, leading to the registration of an FIR against Kamra. The complaint accused Kamra of making defamatory remarks that hurt public sentiments.

Arrests made following vandalism

The Mumbai Police arrested 12 people in connection with the vandalism at Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra’s controversial performance was filmed. Among those arrested were 11 members of Yuva Sena, the youth wing of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Rahul Kanal, a leader from the Shinde group. They were charged under several non-bailable sections, including BNS 132 and BNS 333. A bail application was filed for the accused.

Shiv Sena and opposition reactions

Shiv Sena strongly condemned Kamra’s remarks, while the Opposition in Maharashtra, including UBT's Arvind Sawant, criticised the Mahayuti government for the law and order breakdown. Sawant defended Kamra, saying, “Every word spoken by Kamra is correct.”

Habitat Studio shuts down

In the wake of the vandalism, Habitat Studio, where Kamra’s show was filmed, announced its closure. The venue expressed shock and concern over the incident, stating in an Instagram post, "We are shocked, worried, and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us." The studio clarified that artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices, and that it had no involvement in the content of Kamra’s show.

The studio further explained that the recent events prompted a re-evaluation of how to provide a platform for free expression without jeopardizing its property. In a previous post, Habitat Studio apologised to those hurt by the video, stating that it did not endorse Kamra’s views.

BMC begins demolition at Habitat Studio

As tensions mounted, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) began demolishing unauthorised structures at Habitat Comedy Club on Monday. This action was a direct result of the protests and vandalism that followed Kamra’s controversial remarks about Shinde.

Here's what Kamra said during show

During the performance, Kamra humorously commented on the political turmoil in Maharashtra:  “What they did in the Maharashtra elections… Shiv Sena left BJP, then Shiv Sena left Shiv Sena. NCP left NCP. They gave one voter nine buttons. Everyone got confused. One clever man did this. He comes from a very prominent district in Mumbai – Thane,” Kamra said.

He followed up with the parody of the song: “Thane ki rickshaw, chehre pe daadhi, ankhon pe chashma, haye! Thane ki rickshaw, chehre pe daadhi, ankhon pe chashma, haye! Ek jhalak dikhlaye kabhi Guwahati mein chup jaaye. Meri nazar se tum dekho, gaddar nazar wo aaye…” 

Kamra continued: “Mantri nahi wo dalbadlu hai, aur kaha kya jaye? Jis thali me khaaye, usme hi wo ched kar jaye. Mantralay se zyada, Fadnavis ki godi me mil jaye. Teer kaman mila hai isko, baap mera yeh chahe…”