- By Shailvee Tiwari
- Mon, 24 Mar 2025 06:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kunal Kamra Controversies: Comedian Kunal Kamra has once again found himself in hot water, this time for his satirical take on Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde. His latest YouTube video triggered massive outrage, leading to multiple FIRs, legal threats, and even an attack on a recording studio.
In the video, Kamra put a musical twist on Maharashtra’s political landscape by altering the lyrics of 'Bholi Si Surat' from 'Dil To Pagal Hai.' Taking a dig at Shinde’s 2022 rebellion, he sang, "Thane pe rickshaw, Chehra pe daadhi, aankhon pe chashma, haaye. Ek jhalak dikhlaye kabhi to Guwhati mein chup jaaye. Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye!", calling him a 'traitor.' The video quickly gained traction, angering Shinde’s supporters, who staged protests and demanded action against the comedian.
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As the controversy escalated, leaders from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena condemned Kamra’s remarks, pushing for strict legal measures. With political tensions rising, this incident has once again sparked debates on free speech and satire in India. Let’s take a look at other times when Kunal Kamra grabbed headlines with his controversies.
Kunal Kamra’s Legal Fight Against IT Rules:
In 2023, Kunal Kamra challenged the IT Rules, arguing that allowing a government fact-check unit to label content as fake violated free speech. The Bombay High Court, in a split verdict, ruled a key provision unconstitutional, supporting Kamra’s concerns over censorship.
Kunal Kamra vs. Ola CEO: A Social Media Clash:
Kunal Kamra recently criticised Ola Electric CEO Bhavish Aggarwal over unresolved customer complaints and refund delays. Aggarwal challenged him to help or stay silent, but Kamra persisted, fueling a debate on corporate accountability.
Kunal Kamra’s Joke On Salman Khan:
Comedian Kunal Kamra found himself at the center of controversy after making a joke about Bollywood superstar Salman Khan during a recent stand-up performance. Reports suggested that Salman was considering filing a defamation case, but Kamra refused to apologise for his remarks.
The joke referenced Salman’s past legal troubles, including the 1998 blackbuck poaching case and the 2002 hit-and-run incident, where he was accused of running over people sleeping on a Mumbai pavement.
Kamra’s Video Edit On PM Modi’s Germany Visit Draws Criticism:
In May 2020, Kunal Kamra shared an edited video of a young boy singing for PM Modi in Germany, replacing the song with Mehengayi Daayan. The child’s father objected, and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights intervened. Kamra later deleted the video, stating he never meant to mock the child.
Kunal Kamra’s Middle Finger Gesture Sparks Legal Trouble:
In 2020, Kunal Kamra posted a photo of himself showing the middle finger to the CJI Sharad Arvind Bobde, protesting the Supreme Court’s bail to Arnab Goswami. The act led to contempt proceedings, reinforcing Kamra’s image as a bold yet polarising comedian.
Kunal Kamra’s ‘Brahmin-Baniya’ Remark Sparks Legal Plea:
In May 2020, a plea was filed against Kunal Kamra for calling the Supreme Court a ‘Brahmin-Baniya’ affair during his show. Petitioners claimed it was disrespectful, while Kamra defended it as a critique of power dynamics.
ALSO READ: Kunal Kamra Controversy: What Comedian Said About Eknath Shinde | WATCH
Kunal Kamra’s Open Letter To VHP After Show Cancellation:
After his Gurugram show was cancelled in September 2022 due to threats from the VHP and Bajrang Dal, Kunal Kamra responded with an open letter. He challenged the VHP to condemn Nathuram Godse and asked for proof that he had ever disrespected Hinduism, stating his satire targeted the government, not religion.
Kunal Kamra’s Mid-Air Face-Off With Arnab Goswami:
During a flight in January 2020, comedian Kunal Kamra confronted journalist Arnab Goswami, challenging his journalism. Despite Kamra’s repeated remarks, Goswami chose to remain silent. Kamra later shared a two-minute video of the incident on Twitter (now X), where he called Goswami a "coward" for avoiding his questions. Following this, IndiGo banned Kamra for six months, with Air India, SpiceJet, and GoAir imposing indefinite bans. The incident stirred a nationwide debate on freedom of speech and appropriate conduct on flights.
