Comedian Kunal Kamra has requested additional time to appear before the Mumbai Police in connection with the controversy surrounding his remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Sources close to Kamra revealed that he has been receiving death threats from members of Shinde's faction of the Shiv Sena, with over 500 calls reportedly warning him of dire consequences, including threats to his life.

Satirical Song Sparks Backlash

The controversy erupted after Kamra performed a satirical take on the song Bholi Si Surat from the 1997 film Dil To Pagal Hai during a show at the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar. Although he did not mention Shinde by name, the lyrics referenced the term gaddar (traitor), which many interpreted as an allusion to Shinde’s 2022 political defection that led to the fall of Uddhav Thackeray’s government.

Following the show’s release on YouTube, Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club, prompting police action. Twelve individuals associated with the party were arrested but later granted bail. Additionally, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed a case against Kamra, leading to a police summons for the comedian to appear for questioning.

Request for More Time

Kamra, through his representatives, communicated with an officer at Khar police station, requesting a one-week extension before appearing for questioning. The officer, however, urged him to comply as soon as possible.

Response Through Satire

Amid the growing controversy, Kamra released a new video on Tuesday featuring footage of Shiv Sena workers ransacking the Habitat Comedy Club. The video, set to the tune of his modified version of Hum Honge Kamyaab (We Shall Overcome), sarcastically changed to Hum Honge Kangaal (We Shall Be Bankrupt), depicts scenes of the vandalism, including chairs being thrown and documents scattered across the floor. The video also shows Sena members burning Kamra’s photograph and setting fire to his effigy while flashing victory signs after being granted bail.

One clip in the video features Shiv Sena Yuva Sena General Secretary Rahool Kanal, one of the arrested individuals, issuing a veiled warning to Kamra. Referring to the vandalism as a mere trailer, Kanal asserted that the full picture was yet to unfold, suggesting further repercussions should Kamra return to Mumbai.

Despite the threats, Kamra remains defiant, stating that he will cooperate with the authorities but does not regret his statements. The situation continues to escalate as both sides stand firm in their positions, fueling a broader debate on freedom of speech and political retaliation in Maharashtra.