Comedian Kunal Kamra has finally addressed the controversy that erupted after his remarks on Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Kamra released a statement on his official social media handle. He shared the post on X with caption ‘My statement” and stated that he would not ‘apologise’ for his act. Kamra also addressed the mob that vandalised the Habitat studio, stressing that an entertainment venue is merely a platform and is not responsible for his comedy.
Kamra On Vandalisation Of Venue
He cleared that no venue has any power or control over what he says or does. Hinting at the backlash he has been facing from Shiv Sena leaders, Kamra said that no political party can control what he says. He called attacking the venue over a remark by one comedian senseless.
Kamra said, “An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over 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.”
‘Threatening’ Messages From Political Leaders
Kamra also responded to political leaders ‘threatening’ him to teach a lesson. He stated that the ‘inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change’ the nature of his right. He further added that it is not against the law to poke fun at the leaders as far as he knows.
His statement read: “Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of 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 Agrees To Co-Operate
Commenting on the legal trouble and FIR registered against him, Kamra said that he will co-operate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against him. But with this he has also question whether fair and equal law will applied to those who carried out the vandalism.
“However, I am willing to co-operate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who have arrived today at Habitat, without prior notice, and tore the place down with hammers? Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition”, Kamra added.
Kamra Denies Apology
Closing his statement, Kamra strongly denied apologising for his remarks. He said that he doesn’t fear the mob and won’t hide under his bed. He further mentioned that what he said is exactly what Ajit Pawar had said about Eknath Shinde.
“To those who are busy leaking my number or calling me incessantly: I am sure you’ve realised by now that all unknown calls go to my voicemail, where you will be subjected to the very song that you hate. To the media faithfully reporting this circus: Remember that press freedom in India ranks at 159. I will not apologise. 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 & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” his statement added.
My Statement – pic.twitter.com/QZ6NchIcsM
— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) March 24, 2025
