"Senseless as Overturning a Lorry Carrying Tomatoes, Because You Didn't Like the Butter Chicken You Were Served"—Here’s What Stand-Up Comedian Kunal Kamra Says as He Refuses to Go on a Backfoot

Mumbai– Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra stands resolute amid a firestorm of controversy sparked by his satirical remarks targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The uproar, which has led to vandalism, political threats, and a police case, stems from a performance at Mumbai’s Habitat studio, yet Kamra remains unapologetic and defiant. In a pointed statement, he declared, “I don’t fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” signaling his refusal to retreat.

The trouble began when Kamra, during a recent show, performed a parody song set to the tune of Dil To Pagal Hai, taking a jab at Shinde’s 2022 defection from the undivided Shiv Sena and labeling him a “gaddar” (traitor). The remarks incensed Shiv Sena leaders, with MP Naresh Mhaske threatening, “You will be forced to flee India.” The backlash escalated on Sunday evening when Shiv Sena workers ransacked Habitat studio and an adjacent hotel, leading to the arrest of 12 individuals who were later granted bail by the Bandra court.

Addressing the mob’s actions, Kamra fired back: " To the Mob That Decided That Habitat Should Not Stand", he stated " 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."

Currently in Pondicherry, as confirmed by Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Kamra also took aim at political leaders vowing to “teach him a lesson.” He defended his right to free speech, stating, " 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."

While expressing willingness to cooperate with lawful police or court actions—he has been booked at Khar police station—Kamra questioned the fairness of justice. " 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."

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray emerged as an unexpected ally, asserting, “Kamra has not done anything wrong, rather stated facts and voiced public opinion.” Kamra reinforced this by noting that his comments echoed those of Maharashtra’s First Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar about Shinde. “What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar said about Mr. Eknath Shinde… I will not apologise,” he insisted.

Facing personal harassment, including leaked phone numbers and incessant calls, Kamra quipped, “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.” On social media, he posted a photo of himself with the Indian Constitution, captioned, “The only way forward,” underscoring his reliance on democratic rights. He also jabbed at the media, reminding them, “Press freedom in India ranks at 159,” as they cover what he calls a “circus.”

As the controversy rages on, Kamra’s stance has transformed this episode into a broader clash over free expression, political sensitivity, and mob retribution. From Pondicherry or beyond, the comedian is clear: he’s not going anywhere—except perhaps to his next stage, wherever it may stand.