Comedian Kapil Sharma has come under fire from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for repeatedly referring to Mumbai by its former name, “Bombay,” on his Netflix show, The Great Indian Kapil Show. The political party has issued a warning, stating that using the old name is an insult to the city and its people.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar shared a clip from a recent episode featuring actors Huma Qureshi, Shilpa Shetty, and Shamita Shetty. In the video, Huma refers to Mumbai as “Bombay,” prompting Khopkar to express his displeasure and issue a warning to both Kapil Sharma and Netflix.
In a post written in Marathi, Khopkar noted that while over 30 years have passed since the official name change, the term “Bombay” is still frequently used on the show and in Hindi films. “It was officially recognised by the Maharashtra Government in 1995 and by the Central Government in 1996… Therefore, a humble request-cum-warning is being issued to respect this and use the name Mumbai,” he wrote.
Speaking to the media, Khopkar delivered an even more direct warning to Kapil. “You have been working in Mumbai for so many years…Mumbai has been your ‘karmabhoomi’ (land of work),” he said. “Mumbai is in our hearts, don’t insult this city, don’t insult the people of Mumbai…I am warning Kapil Sharma.” He urged Kapil to correct this mistake and to instruct all guests to use the name Mumbai. Khopkar warned that if this does not happen, the MNS will launch a “strong agitation.”