.webp)
Kunal Kamra is no stranger to controversy, and his latest row has set the internet buzzing once again.
In his recent Naya Bharat show, Kamra's cheeky "gaddar" remark about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has sparked outrage and even led to vandalism at a Mumbai comedy club.
This isn’t his first brush with the law or media attention—his past run-ins with political figures, a viral in-flight altercation with Arnab Goswami, and his bold jokes about high-profile personalities have kept him in the spotlight.
In this blog, we take a closer look at the latest Kunal Kamra controversy, his warning from Shiv Sena ministers, the police summons, and how his bold humor continues to stir heated debates about freedom of expression in India.
Who Is Kunal Kamra?
Kunal Kamra is a political satirist and standup comedian from India. His acts feature humor related to the absurdities of existence, politics, large corporations, economy, and popular culture. Raised in Mumbai, Kamra frequently finds himself at the center of controversies because of his provocative comments aimed at BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In 2017, he launched his namesake show 'Shut Up Ya Kunal', where he partook in casual conversations with politicians and activists from all sides of the spectrum.
About Kunal Kamra Recent Controversy With Eknath Shinde
Kunal's Naya Bharat show sparked a political controversy due to its cheeky 'gaddar' (traitor) remark aimed at Eknath Shinde. The members of Shiv Sena (Shinde), the faction led by the deputy CM, reportedly vandalized the Habitat studio at the UniContinental hotel in Khar, Mumbai, and called for police action against Kunal.
In the 45-minute show, Kamra alludes to Shinde's 2022 revolt against former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray's leadership, along with multiple MLAs, by relocating to Guwahati in Assam and separating himself from the united Shiv Sena party, without explicitly mentioning Shinde.
Shambhuraj Desai Warning To Kunal Kamra
Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai has given a serious warning, indicating that stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra could face harsh consequences, such as third-degree treatment and being confined within a tire. Desai asserted that Shiv Sena members have held back from acting solely because Eknath Shinde directed them to remain quiet.
Concerning the Kamra situation, Desai remarked, "he engages in such actions intentionally." He showed disrespect towards Dy CM Eknath Shinde, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, PM Modi, and even the Supreme Court. It is now time for Shiv Sena to react.
We are ministers; however, primarily, we are members of Shiv Sena, and we possess the authority to act as such. If Kamra possesses the bravery, he ought to make his statements known publicly instead of concealing himself behind his comments. We will request the Deputy Chief Minister to direct the police to locate him and take necessary measures.
Also Read: New Marathi Movie Releases in 2025 for an Unforgettable Experience
Kunal Kamra Requesting Transit Anticipatory Bail
Controversial comedian Kunal approached the Madras High Court on Friday, requesting transit anticipatory bail following several FIRs filed against him for his supposed comments about the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Following his contentious statements about Eknath Shinde, Kunal has faced legal issues after receiving complaints that allege he made offensive remarks. Several FIRs have been filed in Maharashtra, leading the comedian to request legal safeguards against arrest as he gears up to challenge the allegations.
Earlier this week, Mumbai Police sent a second summons to comedian Kunal Kamra, requesting his presence for clarification regarding his joke labeling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor) in his recent stand-up video, "Naya Bharat," on YouTube, officials reported on Wednesday.
View this post on Instagram
However, Kamra did not show up on the initial date, and his attorney had asked for a week. Nevertheless, following his failure to show up, the Mumbai Police announced a new date after consulting with legal advisors. The police stated that if the inquiry shows that Kamra has earlier made satirical remarks about any politician, actor, or athlete, he will face consequences. Officials stated that although Kamra's attorney has reached out to them, the comedian has not communicated with law enforcement.
Mumbai Police stated that should the investigation uncover that Kamra has previously committed any offenses through his pranks, additional cases could be filed against him.
Kamra recently ignited controversy with his "gaddar" (traitor) joke, reportedly targeting Eknath Shinde. Numerous political figures criticized his comments made during a comedy performance and called for measures to be taken against him. On Tuesday, Kamra released a new video ridiculing Shiv Sena members for defacing The Habitat comedy club in Mumbai, where he had earlier performed.
In response to the controversy, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated, "Our CM Devendra Fadnavis addressed this matter on behalf of the government. "Our Chief Minister has stated that measures will be implemented in accordance with the law."
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis firmly opposed Kamra's comments. Addressing the state Assembly on Monday, he remarked that the government will not permit freedom of expression to serve as a means for disseminating "tyranny."
Kunal Kamra Most Viral Controversies
1. Kunal - Arnab Goswami confrontation
A major and highly publicized controversy involving him was comedian Kunal Kamra's in-flight altercation with journalist Arnab Goswami. In January 2020, the comedian interrupted Goswami, challenging his journalistic methods.
The comedian, who subsequently posted a video of the event on social media, was consequently imposed a six-month flying restriction by IndiGo. Other carriers, such as Air India, SpiceJet, and GoAir, prohibited him indefinitely.
2. 2020 Child Rights Notice after morphed video of PM Modi’s event
Comedian Kamra encountered criticism in May 2020 after posting an altered video of a seven-year-old child performing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his trip to Germany. The revised video substituted the original track with "Mehengayi Daayan" from the film "Peepli Live."
The father of the child charged Kamra with involving his son in politics, prompting the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights to take note and ask for the video's removal. Kamra subsequently removed the post, explaining that he did not intend to ridicule the child.
3. Kunal Kamra's 'brahmin-baniya' remark on Supreme Court
Another petition was submitted against comedian Kunal in May 2020 for his statement that the Supreme Court was a "baniya-brahmin" matter. He stated these comments during his program "Be Like." The petitioners requested contempt proceedings, claiming that his remarks were disrespectful to the judiciary.
4. Middle finger to CJI row
In 2020, Kamra ridiculed the Chief Justice of India, Sharad Arvind Bobde, by displaying his middle finger to the senior judge in a social media post.
In a post on X (previously Twitter), Kamra stated, “One of these fingers is directed at CJI Bobde… to clarify, it’s the middle one,” and included a photo of two figures.
Attorney General KK Venugopal initiated contempt proceedings against Kamra for making obscene and derogatory remarks about the CJI.
5. Salman Khan controversy
Recently, Kunal sparked another controversy when he made a joke about Bollywood superstar Salman Khan during one of his stand-up performances.
When news surfaced that Khan intended to file a defamation lawsuit against Kamra, the comedian stated he would not express regret for his humor. The joke was said to pertain to Salman Khan's participation in two significant legal cases: the 1998 blackbuck poaching incident and the 2002 hit-and-run incident.
6. Kunal Kamra vs VHP
Kamra ignited further controversy in September 2022 when his performance in Gurugram was called off following threats from the VHP and Bajrang Dal.
In an open letter to the VHP, Kamra urged the organization to disavow Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, to demonstrate their stance as anti-terrorism and pro-Hindu.
He also called for proof of any occasion where he had shown disrespect towards the Hindu religion, claiming that his satire was aimed at the government, not at religious feelings.
Kunal Kamra's latest controversy highlights the fine line between satire and offense, sparking fierce debates on free speech. What do you think about his actions?
Also Read: Gaurav Taneja Asked to Shut YouTube Channel on Shark Tank India
