NEW DELHI: Amid the controversy surrounding his recent stand-up show where he joked about Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and other politicians, comedian Kunal Kamra on Tuesday shared a video taking an apparent dig at Shiv Sena workers who vandalized the studio where the performance was recorded.
Kamra’s Satirical Response
In the video, Kamra is seen singing a parody song titled “Hum Honge Kangaal,” with clips inserted showing Shiv Sena workers vandalizing the Habitat Centre in Mumbai, where he shot the video. The video also includes visuals of protests and effigy burnings by Shiv Sena workers. The lyrics of the song read:
“Hum honge kangaal, hum honge kangaal ek din. Mann mein andhvishwas, desh ka satyanaash, hum honge kangaal ek din.”
The one-minute video is part of Kamra’s recent stand-up special ‘Naya Bharat,’ released on YouTube.
Shiv Sena Workers’ Vandalism and Arrests
Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Mumbai, following Kamra’s remarks about Eknath Shinde in his Sunday video, where he performed a parody of a popular Hindi song from the film “Dil Toh Pagal Hai.” Kamra had referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor) and joked about recent political developments in Maharashtra, including the Shiv Sena and NCP splits.
Following the incident, Mumbai Police arrested 12 people on Monday for vandalizing the venue.
Kamra Refuses to Apologize
In response to the incident, Kamra released a statement on his official social media handle on Monday, declaring that he would not apologize for his remarks. He defended his freedom of expression and criticized the vandalism.
“An entertainment venue is merely a platform for various shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it control what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served,” Kamra said in his statement.
Defending Freedom of Speech
Kamra further asserted, “Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not meant only to flatter the powerful and the rich, despite what today’s media might suggest. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not alter my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system.”
Kamra’s bold stand continues to draw attention, underscoring the tension between satire, political criticism, and the limits of free speech in India.
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