Mumbai Comedy Club That Hosted Kunal Kamra and Samay Raina Shuts Down

Kunal Kamra Shuts Down: Kunal Kamra’s recent standup performance, titled Naya Bharat, has sparked significant controversy, resulting in backlash from Shiv Sena workers.

The comedian is accused of making derogatory comments about Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, during his act. The comments, which have not gone unnoticed, were perceived as insulting by members of Shiv Sena, a political party with significant influence in the state.

The controversy unfolded after a video from Kamra’s performance went viral on social media, with viewers accusing the comedian of disrespecting Shinde.

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After being ransacked by Sena workers, Habitat stated on Monday claiming that it supports creative dialogue and just provides artists with a space to perform.

The venue had hit the headlines earlier this year too when podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia made crass remarks during the shooting of the show 'India's Got Latent'. The row erupted after Allahbadia's comments about 'parents' sex' sparked outrage, leading to police action in some regions. Multiple complaints were filed against Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and others involved in the show.

"We urge constructive conversations, not destruction, to address disagreements. We do not support hate or harm of any kind. Violence and destruction undermine the very spirit of art and dialogue," the Habitat said in a post on their Instagram page.

The Habitat in its statement said it was shocked by the acts of vandalism.

"We are shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us.

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"Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices. We have never been involved in the content performed by any Artist, but the recent events have made us rethink about how we get blamed and targeted every time almost like we are a proxy for the performer," the comedy club said.

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"We are shutting down till we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy," it added.

Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel has warned that if Kamra doesn't apologize in two days, he will be subjected to public backlash in Mumbai.

Patel told ANI, "If he is seen anywhere in public, we will paint his face black."

He also threatened to raise the issue in the assembly and urged the state's home minister to take swift action against Kamra.

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