Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has issued his first response to the controversy surrounding his satirical remarks about Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde.
Mumbai: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has publicly responded to the uproar following his comments about Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde. Kamra not only reiterated his statement but also refused to apologize. He stated his willingness to fully cooperate with the police in any legal proceedings but would not accept attacks on satire and humor.
'Freedom of expression is not just for praising the powerful' - Kunal Kamra
On Monday night, Kamra wrote on the social media platform 'X', "Our freedom of expression cannot be limited to only praising powerful people. It is my right to satirize leaders, and that right will never end." He added that a comedian's job is to satirize social and political issues. "If leaders can't tolerate jokes about themselves, it's their weakness, not my fault," he added.
Following Kamra's comments, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai where he recorded his show. After the attack, the club temporarily ceased operations.
'Attack on comedy is an attack on democracy'
Kamra condemned the attack, stating, "Entertainment venues are platforms for diverse shows. This wasn't just my show. Attacking it is as foolish as overturning a tomato truck because the butter chicken wasn't good." He questioned whether the police would also take action against those who vandalized the studio. "If my jokes can be acted upon, will action also be taken against those who committed violence?"
Kamra alleged that unelected officials from the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished parts of the Habitat Comedy Club without prior notice. He sarcastically added, "Next time, I'll perform my show on a bridge the government wants to demolish anyway."
What was the controversy?
Kunal Kamra had made satirical remarks about Eknath Shinde's political position in a stand-up show, referring to him as a 'traitor'. This angered supporters of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), leading to an attack on his studio. Kamra revealed that his number had been leaked and he was receiving numerous calls.
However, he took it lightly, saying, "Those calling me would have realized by now that my unknown calls go straight to voicemail, where they get to hear the song they hate the most." The controversy shows signs of escalating into a legal battle, with the police filing an FIR and Kamra indicating his intention to fight the case legally.
