Jibe at Shinde: Shiv Sena workers ransack Mumbai hotel where Kunal Kamra’s show was shot
Kunal Kamra-Eknath Shinde: According to a police official, the party workers reached the auditorium of the hotel after a video of Kamra’s jibe against Shinde went viral on social media.
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A view of The Unicontinental Hotel, which was vandalised by Shiv Sena workers. (Express photo/ Sankhadeep Banerjee) Kunal Kamra Controversy: Shiv Sena workers on Sunday vandalised a Mumbai hotel where stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s show with “gaddar” (traitor) jibe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was recorded.
As a viral clip from the show enraged Shinde’s supporters, they stormed the shooting venue The Unicontinental Mumbai, in Khar, at night and ransacked it. They also filed a police complaint, and issued direct threats against Kamra. A number of Shiv Sena workers also gathered outside various police stations, demanding legal action against the comedian.
In the episode, Kamra’s performance featured a parody song, set to the tune of Dil To Pagal Hai, with a reference to Shinde’s 2022 defection from the undivided Shiv Sena. His use of the term “gaddar” triggered sharp criticism from Shiv Sena leaders, who accused him of running a “paid campaign” to tarnish Shinde’s image.
Issuing a warning, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske said: “Kamra has stepped on the tail of a snake. If the fangs come out, there will be dire consequences.” In a video message, Mhaske added that Kamra would be hounded across the country. “You will be forced to flee India,” he stated.
Sena MLA Murji Patel vowed to file an FIR against Kamra. “We will show Kamra his level,” he said.
Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam openly threatened Kamra. “We will thrash Kunal Kamra tomorrow at 11 o’clock.”
Aaditya Thackeray, leader of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), hit back, calling the vandalism an act of insecurity.
Meanwhile, Kamra has remained largely silent on the controversy. However, in a subtle response, he shared a picture of himself holding a copy of the Indian Constitution with the caption, “The only way forward.”
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