Kapil Sharma Receives Stern Warning From MNS Over ‘Insulting’ Mumbai Remark
Kapil Sharma Receives Stern Warning From MNS Over ‘Insulting’ Mumbai Remark
Popular comedian and actor Kapil Sharma has found himself in the middle of an unexpected controversy after the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) raised objections to the use of the word ‘Bombay’ instead of ‘Mumbai’ on his Netflix show, The Great Indian Kapil Show. On Thursday, Ameya Khopkar, head of MNS’s film wing, sent a strong message to Kapil, urging him to ensure that the city is referred to only as Mumbai on his show. He expressed his disappointment over guests and even the host using Bombay or Bambai during conversations, and warned that if this continues, the party might take matters into their own hands through a protest.
Khopkar shared his concerns with the media, saying that it’s not just a suggestion but a matter of pride for the city. He argued that if other cities are now being addressed by their updated names—like Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru—then Mumbai deserves the same respect.
“You’ve made your name in this city,” he said, addressing Kapil directly. “People of Mumbai love your work. Please don’t hurt their sentiments. Mumbai is not just a name, it’s an emotion for us.”
But here’s the thing—Kapil Sharma isn’t the only one using the word Bombay. In fact, even now, many respected institutions and cultural landmarks still carry the older name. Think about IIT Bombay, Bombay High Court, Bombay Scottish School, Bombay Stock Exchange—the list goes on. It’s deeply rooted in history, identity, and global recognition. As many people have also pointed out in the comment sections online, this isn’t something to make a big issue out of—these are educational hubs and long-established institutions. The usage is often practical, habitual, or nostalgic rather than political.
#BombaytoMumbai
— Ameya Khopkar (@MNSAmeyaKhopkar) September 11, 2025
बॉम्बेचे मुंबई अधिकृत नामकरण होऊन ३० वर्षे झाली तरी अजूनही बॉलिवूड मधील कपिल शर्मा शो यात सेलिब्रिटी गेस्ट, दिल्लीस्थित राज्यसभा खासदार, शो अँकर आणि अनेक हिंदी चित्रपटात सर्रास बॉम्बे हा उल्लेख होत आहे. १९९५ महाराष्ट्र शासन व १९९६ मध्ये केंद्र शासनाची अधिकृत… pic.twitter.com/KKa7TazDJ0
In one of the episodes cited by Khopkar, actors Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem casually used the word Bombay while sharing a personal story on Kapil’s show. Now, in everyday conversation, especially in the entertainment and arts space, Bombay is still commonly used—not out of disrespect, but simply out of habit or nostalgia. Khopkar did clarify that this warning wasn’t politically timed, especially with local elections approaching. According to him, the demand to use Mumbai has been a long-standing one by the party.
But let’s pause for a moment—can a single word really carry so much weight when it’s clear there’s no ill intention behind its usage? At the end of the day, whether someone says Bombay or Mumbai, they’re talking about the same vibrant, diverse, and incredible city. The love and respect for it don’t change based on a letter.
Kapil Sharma has not officially responded to the issue yet, but fans are already rallying behind him online, saying language should unite us, not divide us. And maybe, just maybe, we can all focus a bit more on intent rather than semantics.
