Mumbai Comedy Club Shuts Down After Kunal Kamra’s ‘Naya Bharat’ Sparks Controversy
Mumbai Comedy Club Shuts Down After Kunal Kamra’s ‘Naya Bharat’ Sparks Controversy
Comedian Kunal Kamra’s standup act Naya Bharat has ignited controversy after Shiv Sena workers labeled him a ‘traitor’ over his remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The uproar began when a video of Kamra’s performance went viral on social media, prompting Sena workers to vandalize the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where the act took place.
The venue had previously made headlines earlier this year when podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on India’s Got Latent triggered backlash, leading to multiple police complaints against him and comedian Samay Raina.
The Habitat Reacts
Following the attack, the Habitat Comedy Club issued a statement condemning the vandalism.
“We support creative dialogue and provide artists with a platform to perform. Violence and destruction go against the spirit of art and free expression,” the club stated on Instagram.
Expressing concern over repeated targeting, the venue added, “Artists are responsible for their own views. However, we are being blamed as a proxy for performers. We are shutting down temporarily to find a way to ensure free expression without risking safety.”
Kamra’s Jibe and Political Fallout
During his act, Kamra referenced Maharashtra’s political landscape, particularly the split within Shiv Sena and NCP, using the term gaddar (traitor). The remarks triggered outrage, leading Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel to file a police complaint.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske warned Kamra that party workers would “chase him across the country” and accused him of being funded by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray. Patel also demanded an apology, vowing to “show Kamra his level.”
However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray condemned the attack on the venue, calling it a “cowardly act” and questioning the state’s law and order situation.
Despite the backlash, Kamra has not responded publicly to the incident. The controversy continues to fuel a political and artistic debate on freedom of expression in the country.
