LATEST IN NEWS
Stand-Up Comedian Kunal Kamra’s Joke Lands Him in Controversy Against Shiv Sena
Updated on: 24 March, 2025 12:07 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Kunal Kamra Controversy
Indian stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has once again found himself in the middle of a political storm. This time, his jokes targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have led to widespread protests and legal action by the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. The controversy escalated when Shiv Sena workers vandalised a hotel in Mumbai, where Kamra’s show was recorded, leading to police intervention and multiple FIRs.
Parts of Kamra’s show surfaced online, sparking outrage among Shiv Sena supporters, who accused him of disrespecting their leader. The backlash was swift, with party members staging protests, vandalising property, and filing police complaints.
Also Read: Ranveer Allahbadia Case: 5 Key Directions Given By The Supreme Court
One Shiv Sena leader even went so far as to declare, “Let alone Maharashtra; Kunal Kamra cannot freely go anywhere in India. Shiv Sainiks will show him his place.”
Angry Shiv Sena workers gathered outside the Unicontinental Mumbai, the venue where Kamra’s show was recorded. Protesters ransacked the Habitat Studio, smashing chairs, tables, and lights while chanting “Shiv Sena Zindabad.” Reports suggest that some protesters even pushed on-duty police personnel and manhandled hotel staffers.
Following the protests, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Murji Patel confirmed that an FIR was filed against Kunal Kamra for his comments. He stated, “We have filed an FIR against Kunal Kamra for his comments against our leader and Maharashtra’s Deputy CM, Eknath Shinde. We demand quick action against him.”
Also Read: Samay Raina Summoned Again, Cyber Cell Demands Him To Appear On March 19
Shiv Sena leaders also threatened that if Kamra did not apologise publicly, he would face consequences, including having his face blackened in public. They also announced plans to raise the issue in the Maharashtra Assembly and seek action from the state’s Home Minister.
Amidst the escalating controversy, Kunal Kamra has remained largely silent. However, he subtly responded by posting an image of himself holding a copy of the Indian Constitution with the caption, “The only way forward...”
The Kunal Kamra controversy raises important questions about freedom of speech, political tolerance, and the role of comedy in democracy. Whether Kamra will face further legal trouble or manage to escape the wrath of Shiv Sena supporters remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain—his fearless satire continues to spark debate in India’s ever-evolving political landscape.
Also Read: 5 Times Samay Raina`s India`s Got Latent Got Embroiled in Controversy
What Did Kunal Kamra Say?
Kamra, known for his sharp political satire, was filming his latest stand-up special, "Naya Bharat", where he took a dig at the political turmoil in Maharashtra. He indirectly referred to Eknath Shinde as a "traitor" (gaddar) through a humorous adaptation of a Hindi song from the movie Dil To Pagal Hai. The modified lyrics, “Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye haaye," were perceived as a direct attack on Shinde’s political actions, particularly his split from the Shiv Sena in 2022.Parts of Kamra’s show surfaced online, sparking outrage among Shiv Sena supporters, who accused him of disrespecting their leader. The backlash was swift, with party members staging protests, vandalising property, and filing police complaints.
Also Read: Ranveer Allahbadia Case: 5 Key Directions Given By The Supreme Court
Shiv Sena`s Strong Reaction
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction took severe offence to Kamra’s remarks. Several party leaders demanded an apology from the comedian within two days, warning of consequences if he failed to comply.One Shiv Sena leader even went so far as to declare, “Let alone Maharashtra; Kunal Kamra cannot freely go anywhere in India. Shiv Sainiks will show him his place.”
Angry Shiv Sena workers gathered outside the Unicontinental Mumbai, the venue where Kamra’s show was recorded. Protesters ransacked the Habitat Studio, smashing chairs, tables, and lights while chanting “Shiv Sena Zindabad.” Reports suggest that some protesters even pushed on-duty police personnel and manhandled hotel staffers.
Following the protests, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Murji Patel confirmed that an FIR was filed against Kunal Kamra for his comments. He stated, “We have filed an FIR against Kunal Kamra for his comments against our leader and Maharashtra’s Deputy CM, Eknath Shinde. We demand quick action against him.”
Also Read: Samay Raina Summoned Again, Cyber Cell Demands Him To Appear On March 19
Shiv Sena leaders also threatened that if Kamra did not apologise publicly, he would face consequences, including having his face blackened in public. They also announced plans to raise the issue in the Maharashtra Assembly and seek action from the state’s Home Minister.
Amidst the escalating controversy, Kunal Kamra has remained largely silent. However, he subtly responded by posting an image of himself holding a copy of the Indian Constitution with the caption, “The only way forward...”
The Kunal Kamra controversy raises important questions about freedom of speech, political tolerance, and the role of comedy in democracy. Whether Kamra will face further legal trouble or manage to escape the wrath of Shiv Sena supporters remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain—his fearless satire continues to spark debate in India’s ever-evolving political landscape.
Also Read: 5 Times Samay Raina`s India`s Got Latent Got Embroiled in Controversy
ADVERTISEMENT
Where would you go on a quick 3-day trip?
ADVERTISEMENT
