Comedian stands firm: Kunal Kamra refuses to apologize for remarks on Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra: Mumbai, Mar 25, Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has refused to apologize for his inflammatory remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and condemned the vandalism of the venue in Mumbai where the comedy show was conducted.The 36-year-old stand-up comedian has raised a huge political temper in Maharashtra for making a political dig at Shinde's career in his show by altering the words of a hit Hindi film song. In a long statement on X late Monday evening, Kamra announced defiantly that those who are busy leaking his number on social media or calling him nonstop should know that everything goes to his voicemail where they will be treated to "the very song" that they despise.

Kamra's defiant statement

"I will not apologize. I don't fear this mob and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down," Kamra wrote and further said that his statement was precisely what "Mr. Ajit Pawar (1st deputy CM) had said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM)".

My Statement - pic.twitter.com/QZ6NchIcsM

— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) March 24, 2025

Clips from his stand-up show and the political controversy it created topped the headlines on Monday with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stating that Kamra must apologize for his "low level comedy" while opposition leader Uddhav Thackeray stating that there was nothing objectionable in what the comedian had said. Congress and CPI (M) too rallied behind Kamra.

Political reactions

On Sunday evening, Shiv Sena activists vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra performed, as well as a hotel whose premises house the club. Kamra has called the venue vandalism "senseless" and likened it to a person turning over a tomato-lorry because they didn't appreciate the butter chicken they were offered."To the Mob That Voted That Habitat Should Not Stand: An entertainment club is just a stage. A venue for all kinds of performances. Habitat (or any other club) cannot be held accountable for my humor, nor can it influence or control what I do or say. Nor can any political party."

Venue vandalism

The comedian also referred to his freedom of speech and expression as he criticized "politicians threatening to teach him a lesson". "Your failure to have a sense of humor at the expense of a prominent public figure does not alter the character of my right. To my knowledge, it is not illegal to make fun of our leaders and the circus that is our political process. But I am happy to assist the police and courts for any legal action against me."
"But will the law be applied fairly and equally to those who have concluded that vandalism is the proper response to being offended by a joke?

Kamra's response to vandalism

"Mumbai's civic administration Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had gone to the looted venue and stated they had demolished a temporary building in the hotel's open area, officials said. Kamra condemned the BMC for demolishing the place without notice. The comedian added for his next show, he would maybe choose "Elphinstone bridge, or any other building in Mumbai" that was in need of quick demolition.".

Freedom of speech

Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority is planning to replace the 125-year-old Elphinstone Bridge with a new double-decker bridge over the Central and Western railway lines. In his stand-up performance, Kamra did a spoof of a hit Hindi song from the movie "Dil Toh Pagal Hai," seemingly calling Shinde a "gaddar" (traitor). He also cracked jokes on recent political events in Maharashtra, such as party divisions within Shiv Sena and NCP. Police on Monday apprehended Shiv Sena activist Rahul Kanal and 11 others for smashing up the venue of the show. A local court released them on bail the same day.