Comedian Kunal Kamra’s supporters, both in India and abroad, have rallied behind him with a surge of financial contributions following his alleged roast of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Viewers have donated amounts ranging from ₹40 to ₹10,000 in India, along with contributions in various foreign currencies, collectively exceeding several lakhs.
Many fans are urging Kamra to start a fundraiser, vowing to cover any legal expenses he may face due to his fearless comedy. A user on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the overwhelming support, stating, “Someone donated $400 (~₹37,000)!! #KunalKamra’s new show really touched many souls. Never saw these many people donating on a YT video even though Kunal never asked for donations.”
Kamra, who has 2.5 million YouTube subscribers, has been receiving significant support through YouTube’s Super Thanks feature, which allows fans to donate between ₹40 and ₹10,000.
The controversy erupted after Kamra, during a show at Mumbai’s Habitat studio, performed a parody of Bholi Si Surat (from Dil To Pagal Hai), using the term gaddar (traitor) to mock Shinde for his 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. This act led to backlash from Shiv Sena workers, who vandalized the Habitat studio. While Shinde distanced himself from the attack, he defended his party workers, stating, “Every action has a reaction,” and questioned who had given Kamra a supari (contract) to target him.
Following the vandalism, the studio also faced a demolition drive over alleged building code violations. Habitat later announced its temporary closure, issuing a statement clarifying that it does not control artists’ content but has been unfairly targeted for hosting performances.
