Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has refused to apologise over his satirical remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, despite facing backlash and vandalism. The 36-year-old comedian issued a statement on Monday, calling out those leaking his personal details and condemning the attack on the venue where his show was recorded.
Kamra Defiant, Refuses to Apologise
In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, Kamra made it clear that he would not back down. “I will not apologise… I don’t fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” he wrote. He also took a swipe at Maharashtra politics, stating that his words echoed Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s past remarks about Eknath Shinde.
Shiv Sena Workers Vandalise Comedy Club
The controversy escalated on Sunday night when Shiv Sena workers ransacked the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Kamra’s show had taken place. Kamra condemned the act, likening it to someone overturning a tomato truck because they disliked their butter chicken.
“An entertainment venue is merely a platform… It is not responsible for my comedy, nor does any political party control what I say,” Kamra stated.
Mumbai’s civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), later demolished an “illegal” temporary structure at the venue. Kamra accused the authorities of acting without prior notice and sarcastically suggested that for his next show, he might perform on “Elphinstone bridge or any other structure in Mumbai in need of speedy demolition.”
Freedom of Speech Debate Intensifies
Kamra defended his right to free speech, dismissing calls for an apology from political leaders. “Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right,” he asserted. While agreeing to cooperate with the police if needed, he questioned whether legal action would also be taken against those who vandalized the venue.
What Sparked the Row?
During his stand-up show, Kamra parodied a song from Dil Toh Pagal Hai, reportedly mocking Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). He also commented on recent political developments, including factional splits in the Shiv Sena and NCP.
The controversy has drawn sharp political reactions. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticized Kamra’s act as “low-level comedy” and demanded an apology. Meanwhile, opposition leader Uddhav Thackeray defended the comedian, with Congress and CPI (M) also backing him.
On Monday, police arrested 12 Shiv Sena workers, including local leader Rahul Kanal, for vandalizing the comedy club. They were later released on bail.