After facing backlash for remarks made during a stand-up set, comedian Kunal Kamra responded with a firm statement defending his freedom of expression. He said, “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.”
“Senseless”: Kamra On Habitat Attack
Kamra, addressing political leaders targeting him, added, “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.” He also addressed the vandalism at Habitat in his statement, writing, “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.”
Kamra Slams Trolls
The stand-up comedian also slammed those trolling him. Addressing the trolls he said, “To those who are busy leaking my number or calling me incessantly: I’m sure you’ve realized by now that all unknown calls go to my voicemail, where you’ll be subjected to the very song you hate.”
Shinde-Kamra Row: What exactly happened?
During his latest stand-up act, Naya Bharat, Kamra featured a parody song that referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde leaving Shiv Sena in 2022, using the term “gaddar” (traitor).
While Shiv Sena leaders claimed Kamra was running a “paid campaign” against Shinde, party workers vandalised Habitat, the venue of his act, in Khar, Mumbai. Later, on Monday, parts of Habitat were demolished by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). An FIR has also been registered against Kamra.
