'Attacking a venue for a comedian's words is senseless': Kunal Kamra condemns Habitat Studio vandalism

In a post on X, Kamra said an entertainment venue is merely a platform and has no power or control over what he says or does, so attacking a venue is "senseless".

"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," he said.

"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 said.

"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," the comedian said.

He said he is willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against him.

However, he raised a question, "... 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?"

He also said he would not apologise for his remarks.

"I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar (1st Deputy CM) said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM)," he said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanded an apology in the Assembly this morning saying freedom of expression should not extend to "low-level comedy and disrespecting the Deputy Chief Minister".

Kamra, who spoke to the cops from Tamil Nadu, denied allegations that he was paid by the opposition to target Shinde.

As per reports, Kamra gave the cops permission to check his finances so they can confirm that no such payment was received.

What did Kamra say?

Kamra, who is best known for his outspoken nature, targeted Shinde during a comedy show by parodying the 1997 song 'Bholi Si Surat' from 'Dil To Pagal Hai'.

In an indirect sweep, Kamra referred to Shinde as a 'gaddar (traitor), referring to his rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, an episode that led to the state government's collapse and the party's split.

Following his remark, Mumbai's Habitat Studio, a popular platform for stand-up comedians in the city on Monday announced its decision to shut down after Shiv Sena (Shinde) workers vandalised it.

Mumbai studio announces shutdown after Shinde-led Shiv Sena's vandalism

Announcing its decision, Habitat Studio wrote on Instagram: "We are shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us. 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 studio said.

The studio further said: "We are shutting down until we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy."

"We invite all artists, audiences, and stakeholders to discuss and share their views freely and request your guidance so that we also respect the performers' rights," said the studio.

The studio said it has always been neutral in providing a platform for artists to share their work in any language.

Kamra's performance was hosted by the same studio where the controversial  'India's Got Latent' show was filmed.

The show triggered anger and severe protests were held following popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia's 'sex with parents' comment.