Police Probe Alleged Conspiracy Behind Stand-Up Routine
Mumbai Police are investigating whether comedian Kunal Kamra’s jokes about Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde were part of a larger conspiracy. Authorities are probing whether Kamra received financial or other support to mock the leader. Sources indicate that the police are also examining if someone helped the comedian write his material.
A team from Khar police station visited Kamra’s Mumbai residence, where his parents live, to serve a summons, asking him to appear for questioning. Since the comedian has reportedly left the state, the summons was also sent to his WhatsApp. Kamra faces multiple charges, including defamation and making statements that could incite public mischief. Police have stated that his phone and other electronic devices might be examined as part of the probe.
Viral Parody Song Sparks Controversy
The controversy stems from a stand-up performance at Mumbai’s Habitat studio, where Kamra used a parody of Bholi Si Surat, a popular song from the 1997 film Dil To Pagal Hai, to take a dig at Shinde. In his act, Kamra used the term “gaddar” (traitor) in reference to Shinde’s 2022 political rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, which led to the collapse of the Thackeray-led government and a split in the Shiv Sena.
Following Kamra’s remarks, enraged Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat studio, a well-known venue for stand-up comedy shows. Although Shinde distanced himself from the violence, he defended his party workers’ sentiments, stating, “Every action has a reaction.” He further questioned whether someone had given Kamra a “supari” (contract) to target him.
Habitat Studio Faces Demolition, Announces Shutdown
In the wake of the controversy, civic officials conducted a demolition drive at the Habitat studio, citing alleged building law violations. Following these developments, the venue announced its decision to temporarily shut down, stating that it was being unfairly targeted for the content performed on its stage. “We have never been involved in the content performed by any artist, but recent events have made us rethink how we get blamed and targeted, almost like we are a proxy for the performer,” the studio said in a statement.
Kamra Responds, Opposition Criticizes Government Action
Kunal Kamra responded to the controversy, clarifying that neither the Habitat studio nor any political party was responsible for his remarks. “An entertainment venue is merely a platform. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served,” Kamra said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The comedian asserted that he does not fear threats and is willing to cooperate with the police and legal authorities. However, he questioned whether the law would be equally applied to those who engaged in vandalism and the civic officials who demolished the venue without prior notice.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders have criticized the Maharashtra government for going after Kamra. Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde’s former mentor and the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), backed the comedian, stating, “Kunal Kamra has told the truth. It was not satire. Those who steal are ‘gaddar.’ There is no ‘freedom of expression’ when it comes to traitors.”
