Mumbai’s Habitat Studio, a popular platform for stand-up comedians in the city, on Monday, announced its decision to shut down after Shiv Sena (Shinde) workers vandalised it over comedian Kunal Kamra’s controversial reference to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in an act.
Announcing its decision, Habitat Studio wrote on Instagram: “We are shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us. Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices.”
“We have never been involved in the content performed by any Artist, but the recent events have made us rethink about how we get blamed and targeted every time, almost like we are a proxy for the performer,” the studio said.
The studio further said: “We are shutting down until we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy.”
“We invite all artists, audiences, and stakeholders to discuss and share their views freely and request your guidance so that we also respect the performers’ rights,” said the studio.
The studio said it has always been neutral in providing a platform for artists to share their work in any language.
Kamra’s performance was hosted by the same studio where the controversial ‘India’s Got Latent’ show was filmed.
The show triggered anger and severe protests were held following popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s ‘sex with parents’ comment.
What did Kamra say?
Kamra, who is best known for his outspoken nature, targeted Shinde during a comedy show by parodying 1997 song ‘Bholi Si Surat’ from ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’.
In an indirect sweep, Kamra referred Shinde as a ‘gaddar (traitor), referring to his rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, an episode that led to the state government to collapse and the party getting split.
Political Reactions
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, appreciated Kamra and posted on X: “Kanul Ki Kamal.”
Sena (UBT) legislator Aaditya Thackeray called the vandalism of the studio a ‘cowardly act’.
He wrote on X: “Mindhe’s coward gang breaks the comedy show stage where comedian @kunalkamra88 put out a song on eknath mindhe which was 100% true.”
“Only an insecure coward would react to a song by someone,” he said.
Netizens Respond
Journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani posted on X: “Do yourself a favor. Go to Kunal Kamra’s YouTube channel and see the comments below the video. The love, support and encouragement people are pouring is incredible & inspiring. There are still people left in this country who care for our freedom & love those who resist fascism.”
AltNews co-founder Mohammed Zubair said: “Kunal Kamra’s bold take on Tanashah and his chamchas needs guts. He released this video even after knowing what’s going to happen to him, specially after how Police, Politicians and Govts harassed several non-political comedians and Pro-Govt Podcaster. “
One X user Furrat Huma wrote: “A voter is given 9 buttons! I stand with #kunalkamra.”
Kamra and Arnab Goswami row
In January 2020, Kamra was in the middle of a controversy when he confronted journalist Arnab Goswami while flying in an IndiGo aircraft.
During the interaction, Kamra reportedly questioned Goswami’s journalistic practices.
Goswami remained completely unresponsive during the encounter.
IndiGo had imposed a six-month ban on Kamra after he had shared the video of the encounter on X.
Several other flights, including Air India, had also banned him indefinitely.
