- By Imran Zafar
- Wed, 26 Mar 2025 08:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Comedian Kunal Kamra on Wednesday alleged that music company T-Series issued a copyright strike against his latest stand-up video, 'Naya Bharat', on YouTube. Kunal Kamra claimed he did not use the original lyrics or instrumental of the song in question and accused T-Series of unfair censorship amid the ongoing controversy over his video.
In a post on X, Kamra criticised T-Series, stating, "Hello @TSeries, stop being a stooge. Parody & satire come under fair use legally. I haven't used the lyrics or the original instrumental of the song." He warned that if his video was taken down, similar action could be taken against cover songs and dance videos.
Kamra accused monopolies in India of operating like a “mafia” and urged viewers to watch or download his special before its potential removal. He also shared a screenshot of the restrictions placed by YouTube after his video was reported by the music production company.
Hello @TSeries, stop being a stooge.
— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) March 26, 2025
Parody & Satire comes under fair use Legally.
I haven’t used the lyrics or the original instrumental of the song.
If you take this video down every cover song/dance video can be taken down.
Creators please take a note of it.
Having said… pic.twitter.com/Q8HXl1UhMy
Kamra has been at the center of controversy for referring to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor) in a recent performance. His remark led to a strong backlash from political leaders, with demands for action against him. On Tuesday, Kamra posted a new video mocking Shiv Sena workers for vandalising The Habitat comedy club in Mumbai, where he had previously performed.
Meanwhile, Kamra remained resolute, refusing to apologize. "I will not apologize or hide under the bed, waiting for the controversy to fade," he stated late Monday night.
Following a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, Khar police have registered an FIR against the 36-year-old comedian for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Shinde.