Kunal Kamra's Bengaluru comedy show has been shifted from Whitefield to Koramangala after a right-wing organisation objected to the event and urged the police to deny permission. The group alleged that the comedian had made derogatory remarks about Hindu deities and claimed several cases had been registered against him.
Kamra later confirmed that the performances would now be held at The Underground Comedy Club in Koramangala from August 3 to August 6. He also said ticket holders for the Whitefield show would receive refunds. A Whitefield police official confirmed that the event at the original venue had been cancelled.
On Saturday, Mohan Gowda, spokesperson for Hindu Janajagruti Samiti Karnataka and Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samiti, questioned on X why Kamra had been permitted to perform in Bengaluru.
In his post, Gowda wrote, "Bengaluru cannot become a platform for repeated insults to Hindu faith. Why is a comedian facing allegations of making offensive remarks about Hindu beliefs being allowed to perform in Bengaluru without scrutiny?" He also tagged the Bengaluru Police.
Kamra responded by inviting members of the organisation to meet him at the Whitefield Police Station "to debate on comedy & culture" while he was seeking permission for the show. Later, he shared a photograph with columnist Aakar Patel outside the police station, implying that no one from the group had turned up.
In another post, Kamra wrote, "For everyone who's asking when will be performing in Mumbai. I'd need 145 MLA's, 7500 Crores, ED, EC, CBI, A Party Symbol & Court Judgement If anyone has any leads let me know."
On Sunday, Gowda visited the Koramangala Police Station and submitted a memorandum requesting the police to deny permission for Kamra's performance.
In a post on X, Gowda said, "Hindu leaders, under the banner of the Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samiti, today submitted a complaint to the @kmangalaps demanding the cancellation of the Koramangala comedy show of controversial comedian @kunalkamra88 he has insulted Lord Shri Ram and the Hindu faith through comedy."
The show had originally been scheduled at URU in Whitefield before being shifted to The Underground Comedy Club in Koramangala. Kamra said the performances would proceed at the new venue between August 3 and August 6, while those who had booked tickets for the Whitefield show would be refunded.
THE WIDER CONTROVERSY
Kamra has been involved in several controversies in recent years over his political satire. His performances have frequently targeted politicians, governments and public figures, attracting both appreciation and criticism.
One of the biggest controversies stemmed from a parody song that was widely interpreted as referring to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
During the performance, Kamra repeatedly used the term "gaddar" while mocking Shinde's 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, when he split the undivided Shiv Sena and later formed a government with the BJP. Although Shinde was not named directly, Shiv Sena leaders alleged that the act was aimed at him and was defamatory.
The controversy escalated after Shiv Sena workers vandalised Mumbai's Habitat Comedy Club, where the show had been recorded. Police subsequently registered multiple FIRs against Kamra over the performance. The comedian maintained that he had not violated any law and defended his right to political satire.
Kamra has also faced criticism over some of his earlier performances and social media posts, with critics alleging that they hurt religious sentiments. Right-wing organisations have repeatedly opposed his shows and sought their cancellation in several cities.
He also refused to apologise before a Maharashtra legislature privileges committee over his remarks targeting Shinde. The committee was constituted after a breach of privilege notice was moved based on a complaint regarding his comments.
Following the hearing, Kamra posted on X, "Do you feel remorse? No. Are you sorry about what you said? No. If you tender an unconditional apology, this matter will be looked at differently — No, I can't, as the apology would not be sincere."
He added that offering such an apology would set a dangerous precedent for artists and their freedom of expression.
