GUWAHATI: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra on Tuesday, March 25, released a satirical music video -- Hum Honge Kangaal, a take on Hum Honge Kamyaab -- addressing the vandalism at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio following his remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The video, a mix of his original parody song and clips of Shiv Sena workers ransacking the venue, was posted on his social media.
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The video also featured footage of Sena workers burning his photo, preparing to set fire to his effigy, and celebrating their bail. It further included a clip of Shiv Sena Yuva Sena General Secretary Rahool Kanal warning, "This is only a trailer; the picture is yet to come… Whenever you are in Mumbai, you will get a good lesson in Shiv Sena style."
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) continued its demolition drive at The Habitat for the second consecutive day on March 25, citing rule violations. Kamra criticised the action, stating that the venue had no control over his content and should not be held accountable. "An entertainment venue is merely a platform… 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," he stated.
The controversy erupted after Kamra’s latest stand-up special, Naya Bharat, featured a parody song referring to Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor) for his 2022 split from Shiv Sena. Following the show’s release, Shiv Sena workers vandalised the venue, where the performance was recorded.
Kamra has refused to apologise for his remarks and has instead doubled down on his stance. "Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich... It is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system," he stated.
Meanwhile, Mumbai police have registered an FIR against Kamra, and he has sought a week's time to appear before authorities. According to sources, they are investigating whether his act was part of a conspiracy and if he received payment to target Shinde. His electronic devices may also be examined.
Kamra has said he will cooperate with the investigation but maintains he will not apologise unless ordered by the court.
