Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has sparked further controversy after reacting to the Mumbai Police sending notices to audience members who attended his recent show Naya Bharat at The Habitat. The incident follows the comedian's controversial remarks, including a jibe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which has since led to police and legal action and severe backlash.
On Tuesday (April 1), Kunal took to his official social media accounts to share a post that seemed to mock the authorities and reflect on the aftermath of his remarks.
In the post, he shared a satirical 'step-by-step guide' on how to 'kill' an artist, which he claimed is a political weapon used to silence individuals who challenge the status quo.
The note read, "How to Kill an Artist: A Step-by-Step Guide... 1) Outrage just enough for brands to stop commissioning their work. 2) Outrage more- until private and corporate gigs dry up. 3) Outrage louder- so big venues won’t take the risk. 4) Outrage violently- until even the smallest spaces shut their doors. 5) Summon their audience for questioning-turning art into a crime scene."
It further read, "Now the artist is left with only two choices: Sell their soul and become a dollar puppet-or wither in silence. This isn’t just a playbook, it’s a political weapon. A silencing machine."
Police summons and escalating controversy
The controversy began after Kunal's Naya Bharat show on March 23 in Mumbai, during which he performed a satirical song mocking the political situation in Maharashtra and targeting Eknath Shinde. The parody, in which Kunal called Shinde a 'traitor'" led to a strong reaction from Shiv Sena workers. The group vandalised The Habitat, where the comedian performed, and issued threats against him.
In response, Kunal refused to apologise, stating, "I will not apologize. What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar (1st Deputy CM) said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM). I don't fear this mob, and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down."
The police’s actions escalated further recently when they visited Kunal's old residence in Mahim, only to find that he had not lived there for the past 10 years. Kunal took to Instagram to mock the authorities. He wrote, "Going to an address where I haven’t lived for the last 10 years is a waste of your time & public resources."
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police has sent out two notices, dated March 25 and 26, requesting Kunal to appear at the Khar police station to record his statement regarding the controversy. However, the comedian had moved the Madras High Court and was granted interim bail till April 7, allowing him to skip the Mumbai summons.
Kunal's parody and the subsequent fallout have sparked debate about free speech and the limits of satire.
