Two days after BookMyShow took down all listings and content related to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, he publicly appealed to the ticketing platform to either restore his presence on the site or hand over data from his solo shows, which would allow him to maintain his livelihood.
In a statement shared on social media, Kamra said, “All I’m asking for is simple: either let me stay on the platform or give me access to the contact details of the audiences who booked tickets to my shows, so I can continue my work with dignity.”
The comedian expressed frustration that BookMyShow has become the dominant platform for show listings, limiting performers from independently accessing their own audience information. He claimed that since 2017, data related to his events has been held exclusively by the company.
“If you decide to keep me delisted, the very least I deserve is access to the database of people who came to see my solo shows through your service. That’s data I helped generate,” he added.
BookMyShow’s decision to delist Kamra came shortly after his recent jokes about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stirred a political controversy. The removal followed a written request from Shiv Sena’s Rahoul N Kanal, who urged the platform not to associate with Kamra.
Since the delisting, a section of social media users has launched a campaign urging others to boycott or uninstall the BookMyShow app in protest.
In response, Kamra stated, “I’m not someone who supports boycotts or review bombing a private company. BookMyShow is free to make decisions it believes are best for its business.”
Separately, the Madras High Court on Monday extended Kamra’s interim anticipatory bail until April 17. The comedian is currently facing legal action in connection with his recent performance, and Mumbai Police has issued him three summonses so far.