Following the ‘India’s Got Lantent’ row, another comedian Kunal Kamra has sparked an outrage. During one of his recent shows, he used the word ‘gadar’ (traitor) to refer to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. As the video of the show went viral, Kunal found himself embroiled in a controversy, and the matter escalated to a level that Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, filed an FIR against the comedian at the MIDC police station, demanding an apology.
Now according to the recent updates, NDTV has reported that comedian Kunal Kamra has told Mumbai Police he has no regrets over what he said. However, he added that he would only apologize. This report came after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanded an apology from the comedian. Addressing the matter this morning, the CM told the Assembly that the freedom of expression argument could not extend to “low-level comedy and disrespecting the Deputy Chief Minister”.
Further, Kunal has been accused of taking money from the opposition for the set he presented and smearing the image of Deputy CM Shinde. However, while speaking to the police in Tamil Nadu, Kunal has denied rumours that he had been paid to target Mr. Shinde by the opposition. Also if required, then Kunal has also permitted the cops to check his finances to confirm that no such payment had been received.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai studio that hosted the show was demolished by the city’s civic body. The venue was reportedly vandalized by Shiv Sena workers Sunday night, who also burned Kun Kamra’s photo outside a police station in Thane. Videos of the vandalism have flooded the social media.
Meanwhile, the owners of the studio – Habitat Studio, reportedly have decided to shut down. It is the same venue that hosted the ‘India’s Got Latent’ show where Ranveer Allahabadia’s remark led to a controversy. Earlier, the owners said that they can’t be held responsible for what a performer says, but now they have decided to shut down till they figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression, that doesn’t put them or their property in jeopardy.
