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‘Silencing machine’: Kunal Kamra shares 5-step guide on how to kill an artist ‘democratically’

In a strongly worded post on X and Instagram, Kunal Kamra detailed a “step-by-step guide” to silencing artists democratically.

The outrage against Kamra began after he performed a parody of "Bholi Si Surat" allegedly targeting Shinde.(Source: Twitter/@kunalkamra88)

Stand-up comic Kunal Kamra on Tuesday took to social media to post a sharp critique on how artists are silenced through outrage, intimidation, and institutional pressure. His post, titled ‘How to Kill an Artist ‘Democratically’, comes amid mounting legal trouble and police action against him for allegedly mocking Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in a stand-up performance.

In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, Kamra detailed a “step-by-step guide” to silencing artists democratically. He described a process of growing outrage leading to brand disassociations, drying up of private and corporate gigs, the refusal of major venues to host them, and eventually, pressure from authorities that leaves artists with the stark choice of self-censorship or professional ruin.

How to kill an Artist “Democratically” pic.twitter.com/9ESc9MZfWr

— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) April 1, 2025

“This isn’t just a playbook, it’s a political weapon. A silencing machine,” Kamra wrote, in what is perceived as a veiled critique of the backlash he has been facing for his recent satirical content.

Kamra’s post came just a day after he criticised the Mumbai Police for attempting to locate him at an outdated address in connection with an ongoing investigation.

What triggered the controversy?

The outrage against Kamra began after he performed a parody of “Bholi Si Surat“, a popular song from the 1997 Bollywood film Dil To Pagal Hai, allegedly targeting Shinde. In his act, Kamra also used the term “gaddar” (traitor) in reference to Shinde’s 2022 political rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, which led to a split in the Shiv Sena and the formation of a new government in Maharashtra.

As clips of Kamra’s performance at The Habitat Comedy Club in Khar went viral, Shiv Sena supporters reacted violently, vandalising the studio where his show was filmed and the hotel in which it was hosted. Khar Police soon registered multiple complaints against Kamra, including one filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel.

Express News Quiz | Kunal Kamra, animation & the Red Planet

Amid rising tensions, Kamra secured interim anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court, protecting him from arrest until April 7. The court’s decision followed Kamra’s petition citing threats and potential legal repercussions for his satirical remarks.

The Maharashtra Legislative Council has admitted a breach of privilege notice against Kamra over his alleged derogatory remarks.

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