Comedian Kunal Kamra has issued a statement following the controversy surrounding his recent comments about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Taking to social media, Kamra clarified that he has no intention of apologizing.
Kamra addressed the uproar over his YouTube video, saying entertainment venues simply provide platforms and should not take the blame for a comedian’s content.
The controversy took a violent turn after Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Centre in Mumbai on Sunday, reportedly in response to Kamra’s comments about Shinde.
Kamra in his statement remarked, “An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like someone serving you butter chicken.”
He also responded to political leaders who issued threats, defending his right to joke about public figures.
Kamra insisted that criticizing the powerful through satire is well within the boundaries of free speech.
“We must use our right to freedom of speech and expression for more than just fawning over the powerful and rich, even though today’s media tries to make us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system,” he added.
Willing To Cooperate With Police: Kunal Kamra
Kamra went on to say he is ready to cooperate with police investigations, but raised concerns about whether the law would also act against those involved in vandalism.
“However, I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who have arrived today at Habitat, without prior notice, and tore the place down with hammers? Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition,” Kamra quipped.
He also addressed the harassment he has been facing, including leaked personal information and repeated calls, saying he remains unfazed.
“To those who are busy leaking my number or calling me incessantly: I am sure you’ve realized by now that all unknown calls go to my voicemail, where you will be subjected to the very song that you hate. To the media faithfully reporting this circus: Remember that press freedom in India ranks at 159. I will not apologize. What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar (1st deputy CM) said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM). I don’t fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” he concluded.
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