Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has refused to apologise following a controversy over his remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In a statement posted on his official social media handle, Kamra asserted that he would not back down or express regret for his statements.
Addressing the ongoing uproar caused by his comments in a recent YouTube video, Kamra emphasized that entertainment venues serve as platforms for diverse performances and are not responsible for the content of a comedian’s act.
The controversy escalated when Shiv Sena workers vandalised the Habitat Centre in Mumbai on Sunday, in response to Kamra’s remarks about Shinde.
“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 stated.
Kamra also responded to political leaders who threatened to teach him a lesson, affirming that criticism of public figures is within his constitutional rights. He argued that his remarks do not violate any law and highlighted the importance of free speech.
“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. 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 asserted.
Kamra expressed his willingness to cooperate with authorities for any lawful action taken against him. However, he also questioned whether legal action would be equally applied to those responsible for vandalism.
“I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But 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 arrived today at Habitat without prior notice and tore the place down with hammers? Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone Bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition,” he quipped.
Furthermore, Kamra made it clear that he would not apologise and remains undeterred by the threats and harassment he has received.
“To those who are busy leaking my number or calling me incessantly: I am sure you’ve realised by now that all unknown calls go to my voicemail, where you will be subjected to the very song that you hate. To the media faithfully reporting this circus: Remember that press freedom in India ranks at 159. I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar (1st Deputy CM) said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM). I don’t fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” Kamra concluded.
