Kunal Kamra Courts Controversy Again

Comedian Kunal Kamra has again found himself in hot water after calling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a “traitor” during his ‘Naya Bharat’ live show in Mumbai. This led to police complaints from Shiv Sena members and reports of vandalism at the venue. Police detained Shiv Sena workers for vandalizing Mumbai’s Habitat Studio in Khar, where Kamra’s show was filmed. Following the incident, the studio temporarily shut down, citing unfair backlash over performers’ content. The incident has triggered mixed reactions, with some condemning Kamra and others defending his right to free speech. The debate now focuses on freedom of expression and law and order.

Kamra’s Act

The entire video of the act was uploaded to Kunal Kamra’s YouTube channel, and a clip from the show was uploaded to X. This sparked outrage among Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction supporters. The faction accused him of insulting Shinde, and one of the local leaders, Rahul Kanal, filed a police complaint at the Khar Police Station in Mumbai. The complaint also mentioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and MP Sanjay Raut.

Soon after the video went viral, Shiv Sena workers allegedly stormed the venue where Kamra’s show was held and vandalised the property. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters smashing chairs, tables, and lights in anger. On Sunday, Shiv Sena workers ransacked another hotel in Khar where Kamra’s show had been filmed.

The studio’s official handle wrote in a social media post, “We are shocked, worried, and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us.”

“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,” they added.

Kunal Kamra's studio 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Z4NxfAEhQ2

— Stranger (@amarDgreat) March 23, 2025

Amid the uproar, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam threatened Kamra on X, warning him of repercussions. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticised the vandalism, calling it an “act of cowardice.” He accused Shinde’s supporters of insecurity, adding that Kamra’s song was “100% true.”

Kunal Kamra’s Past Controversies and Feuds

Kunal Kamra has courted controversy multiple times due to his politically charged satire. In 2020, Kamra was banned by several airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, after heckling journalist Arnab Goswami mid-flight. His criticism of Goswami’s coverage and political leanings led to widespread debate over free speech and acceptable behaviour in public spaces. Kamra, however, remained unapologetic, asserting that his actions were part of his stand against biased journalism.

Also Read: Ola Electric CEO’s Confrontational Response To Kunal Kamra Sparks Controversy

Kamra also made headlines for taking a dig at Bollywood star Salman Khan. During one of his stand-up routines, Kamra alluded to Salman’s hit-and-run case and alleged connections to the underworld, sparking outrage from Khan’s fans. Although Salman did not respond publicly, Kamra faced a significant backlash online, with fans demanding an apology and accusing him of tarnishing Khan’s image. Despite the uproar, Kamra continued his critique of Bollywood and political figures, cementing his reputation as a fearless, if polarising, comedian.

Read the Full Story (5 Controversial Statements By Comedian Kunal Kamra On Salman Khan) Here!

This Time, What Can Happen?

Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, has said action will be taken against Kamra. He warned Shiv Sena supporters against taking the law into their own hands but emphasised that Kamra’s remarks would be scrutinised. “Freedom of expression doesn’t give anyone the right to insult people holding constitutional posts,” Kadam said.

Police detained Shiv Sena workers after they vandalized Mumbai’s Habitat Studio, the venue where Kamra’s show was filmed. Following the attack, the studio announced its temporary shutdown, stating that performers’ content often unfairly led to backlash against the venue.

Shinde faction leaders double down on criticism of Kamra.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde warned that the comedian would face the party’s “treatment.” At the same time, BJP MLA Ram Kadam accused Kamra of working for Uddhav Thackeray’s faction and using the incident for “cheap publicity.” Kadam also accused Kamra of timing his remarks to stir controversy over the Disha Salian case, which had previously involved the Thackeray family.

Despite the backlash, Kamra’s supporters, including some opposition leaders, defended his right to satire. Congress leader Atul Londhe criticised the vandalism and said, “In a democracy, criticism is part of freedom of speech. There is a legal system in place and no one has the right to resort to vandalism.”