Recent stand-up act by Comedian Kunal Kamra, Naya Bharat, has sparked a controversy, with Shiv Sena workers labeling him a “traitor” for allegedly mocking Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. After a video of his performance went viral on social media, enraged Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Comedian Kunal Kamra had performed.
Maharashtra ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/FYaL8tnT1R
— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) March 23, 2025
Habitat Comedy Club Reacts to Vandalism after Kunal Kamra
The Habitat Comedy Club issued an official statement expressing its shock at the vandalism. The statement reiterated its dedication to creative expression and deplored violence and destruction.
The club is owned by Balraj Singh Ghai, who was also involved in India’s Got Latent show Samay Raina.
“We urge constructive conversations, not destruction, to address disagreements. We do not support hate or harm of any kind. Violence and destruction undermine the very spirit of art and dialogue,” their statement read.
The club too, announced its temporary closure, saying, “We are shutting down till we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy.”
View this post on Instagram.
Shiv Sena Workers Target Habitat Comedy Club
After Kamra’s comments, Shiv Sena workers broke into the comedy club, breaking its properties. The police reported that the protest broke out after Kamra’s performance made comments about the political unrest in Maharashtra, labeling a political leader as ‘gaddar’ (traitor).
Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel also registered a police complaint against Comedian Kunal Kamra, alleging he insulted the governing Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Mumbai police have confirmed that they are looking into the issue.
What Did Kunal Kamra Say?
Kamra made a cutting remark about the political scenario of Maharashtra, referring to the splinter groups of the Shiv Sena and NCP. During his performance, he implied that “one guy” initiated the trend, using the word ‘gaddar’ to address him. His satirical show also featured an altered version of a Hindi number from “Dil To Pagal Hai,” eliciting chuckles from the audience.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske strongly responded to Kamra’s action, giving a severe warning. “You will be forced to flee India,” Mhaske said in a video message. He further labeled Kamra a “contract comedian” and accused him of taking a bribe from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray to attack Shinde.
Political Leaders React
Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader posted the viral clip of Kamra’s act on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “Kunal Ka Kamal.”
कुनाल की कमाल!
जय महाराष्ट्र! https://t.co/U4Jxdo4dCm— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) March 23, 2025
Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel promised to “show Kamra his level” and called for an apology from the comedian.
Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Aaditya Thackeray criticized the vandalism at the Habitat as a cowardly act.
“Mindhe’s coward gang breaks the comedy show stage where comedian @kunalkamra88 put out a song on Eknath Shinde, which was 100 percent true. Only an insecure coward would react to a song by someone.” “By the way, law and order in the state? Another attempt to undermine the CM and Home Minister by Eknath Mindhe,” Thackeray posted on X.
Mindhe’s coward gang breaks the comedy show stage where comedian @kunalkamra88 put out a song on eknath mindhe which was 100% true.
Only an insecure coward would react to a song by someone.
Btw law and order in the state?
Another attempt to undermine the CM and Home Minister…
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) March 23, 2025
He also questioned Maharashtra’s law and order situation when he said, “By the way, the state’s law and order? Another move by Eknath Mindhe to discredit the CM and Home Minister.”
A Growing Debate on Artistic Freedom
Kamra, known for his sharp political satire, has frequently been at loggerheads with various political parties. This recent controversy again puts the spotlight on artistic freedom and whether comedians are morally liable for their opinions.
While the police probe is ongoing, the incident also raises questions about the security of venues for hosting politically sensitive performances.
As polls draw near, Maharashtra’s political environment is still volatile, and actions such as Kamra’s will most probably continue to stir controversies on free speech versus political sensibility.
