In a fresh storm brewing in Maharashtra’s political landscape, stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has found himself at the center of controversyv after labelling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor) in his latest comedy special, “Naya Bharat.”
The performance, held at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio, saw Kamra parody a popular Bollywood song from “Dil Toh Pagal Hai,” poking fun at Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. The joke struck a nerve, sparking political outrage and leading Mumbai Police to track down the comedian for questioning.
Amid the backlash, Kamra, speaking from Tamil Nadu, stood firm in his stance, telling Mumbai Police he would not apologize unless directed by the courts. He also denied accusations from Shiv Sena leaders that he was part of a “paid campaign” to defame Shinde, even inviting authorities to investigate his financial records.
The controversy deepened when Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis weighed in, defending Shinde. Fadnavis remarked, “People have the freedom of satire and comedy. But insulting someone deliberately is not allowed.” He further claimed that the recent 2024 assembly election results affirmed Shinde as the rightful torchbearer of Bal Thackeray’s legacy.
The fallout extended beyond political sparring. Following Kamra’s performance, Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Studio, prompting its temporary closure. In a somber Instagram post, the venue lamented the attack, expressing fear for the safety of artists and staff. Soon after, BMC officials arrived at the UniContinental Hotel, where the studio is housed, citing unauthorized construction. Although the owners were given time to dismantle the structure, the timing raised eyebrows.
The incident has reignited debates over freedom of expression in India, with supporters defending Kamra’s right to satire while opponents decry what they see as disrespect toward political figures. Meanwhile, Kamra’s defiance has only fueled the conversation. “Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye,” he quipped during his show, a line now echoing across social media.
As tensions simmer, Habitat Studio’s closure leaves a chilling effect on Mumbai’s comedy scene, raising urgent questions about artistic freedom and political dissent. With an FIR registered against 20 individuals involved in the vandalism, the battle lines are drawn not just in politics, but in the very heart of creative expression.
