NEW DELHI: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra on Monday responded to the controversy sparked by his show at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio. “I will not apologise,” Kamra asserted in his first reaction, taking aim at the “mob and politicians” over the backlash to his joke.
The uproar stemmed from a segment where he parodied a popular Hindi song from Dil Toh Pagal Hai, referring to Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor).
The incident led to chaotic protests and vandalism by Shinde-led Sena party workers.
Taking to X, Kamra posted a series of statements addressing people involved in it. Targeting “mob” for studio’s vandalism, Kamra said, “An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party.”
“Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise,” he added in his response to the “political leaders”.
Kamra further questioned whether the law would be applied equally to those who vandalised the venue, stating: “However, I am willing to co-operate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who have arrived today at Habitat, without prior notice, and tore the place down with hammers? Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition.”
Addressing those leaking his personal contact details, he said: “To those who are busy leaking my number or calling me incessantly: I am sure you’ve realised by now that all unknown calls go to my voicemail, where you will be subjected to the very song that you hate. To the media faithfully reporting this circus: Remember that press freedom in India ranks at 159. I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr Ajit Pawar (1st deputy CM) said about Mr Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM). I don’t fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down.”
Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s junior home minister, Yogesh Kadam, announced in the state assembly that Kamra’s call records and financial transactions would be examined.
“Call recordings along with CDRs, as well as bank statements of comedian Kunal Kamra, will also be checked. We will find out who is behind this,” Kadam stated, as reported by ANI.
Earlier, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam alleged that the rival Uddhav Sena had funded Kamra’s Mumbai show where the controversial remark was made.