Delhi, March 24 : Comedian Kunal Kamra’s recent standup act ‘Naya Bharat’ has stirred a row with Shiv Sena workers calling him a ‘traitor’ for allegedly referring to Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde in his act. Soon after the video of the act went viral on social media, Sena workers vandalised the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area where the comedian had performed.
The venue had hit the headlines earlier this year too when podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia made crass remarks during the shooting of the show ‘India’s Got Latent’. The row erupted after Allahbadia’s comments about ‘parents’ sex’ sparked outrage, leading to police action in some regions. Multiple complaints were filed against Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and others involved in the show.
After being ransacked by Sena workers, the Habitat issued a statement on Monday claiming that they support creative dialogue and just provide artists a space to perform.
“We urge constructive conversations, not destruction, to address disagreements. We do not support hate or harm of any kind. Violence and destruction undermine the very spirit of art and dialogue,” the Habitat said in a post on their Instagram page.
As per a police official cited by news agency PTI, Shiv Sena workers arrived at the hotel’s auditorium after Kamra’s jibe against Shinde went viral on social media.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also shared the video on X, captioning it “Kunal Ka Kamal.”
Summary: A popular Mumbai comedy club, known for hosting comedians like Kunal Kamra and Samay Raina, is closing its doors permanently.