Watch | Kunal Kamra hits back with parody video ‘Hum Honge Kangal’ amid Eknath Shinde joke row

Kamra’s satire incorporated phrases such as Mann mein andhvishwas, desh ka satyanash (Blind faith in the heart, destruction of the nation) in place of the original lyrics. The video also referenced Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin Nathuram Godse and Asaram Bapu, the self-styled godman currently serving a life sentence for a 2013 rape conviction.

Political uproar

The video follows Kamra’s controversial routine, where he mocked Shinde’s political career by modifying the lyrics of a popular Hindi film song. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the sketch, dismissing it as “low-level comedy.” Opposition leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray, Congress, and CPI (M), defended Kamra, asserting that freedom of expression is a fundamental right.

Kamra’s response

In a public statement on social media, Kamra reaffirmed his refusal to apologise, mocking those who leaked his phone number or harassed him. He sarcastically noted that any calls made to him would go directly to voicemail, where the callers would hear Bholi Si Surat, a hit Bollywood song he used in his routine to satirise Shinde.

“I will not apologise… I don’t fear this mob, and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” Kamra wrote on X. He further pointed out that his remarks on Shinde were no different from those made by NCP leader Ajit Pawar in the past.

On March 23, members of the Shiv Sena allegedly ransacked The Habitat Comedy Club and the adjoining hotel where the venue is located. The next day, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) visited the premises and demolished a temporary structure, citing rule violations. Kamra denounced the demolition as an attempt to silence free speech and questioned whether the law would apply equally to those responsible for the vandalism.

“To the Mob That Decided That Habitat Should Not Stand: 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. Neither does any political party,” he wrote.

What Shinde Said

While speaking to a Marathi news channel, Shinde accused Kamra of “speaking on behalf of someone with an agenda.”

“Freedom of expression is important, but it should not be misused. Many writers engage in satire, but what happened today was an act of immorality, licentious behaviour, and a hit job done for money,” said Shinde.

“This same person has previously spoken against the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, and leading industrialists of this nation. He has clashed with journalists and has even been banned by airlines. This is not freedom of expression. It is speaking on behalf of someone with an agenda. I haven’t commented on this issue all day, and I won’t,” he added.

On the vandalism carried out by his supporters, Shinde emphasised that he does not support such actions. “However, when making accusations, one must at least consider the level to which they are stooping. Every action has a reaction. I have immense patience and never react to anyone. Focusing on work and delivering justice to the people — this is what has led us to remarkable success,” he added.

Kamra’s case has reignited the debate on freedom of speech in India. While political leaders demand an apology, Kamra remains defiant, questioning why satirical criticism is met with violent retaliation.

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