Popular comedy venue The Habitat in Mumbai has announced its temporary closure following an attack by Shiv Sena workers over comedian Kunal Kamra’s recent standup act, ‘Naya Bharat.’ Kamra’s satirical comments about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sparked outrage among party members, who vandalized the venue after a video of the performance went viral.
The Habitat, located in Khar, has been a significant hub for standup comedians, including Kamra and Samay Raina. However, repeated controversies have put the club under scrutiny. Earlier this year, the venue faced backlash when podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia made controversial remarks during a show, leading to police complaints.
Vandalism Over Kamra’s Performance
Kamra’s standup set took aim at Maharashtra’s political landscape, particularly the split within the Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). In a segment, he used the term ‘gaddar’ (traitor) to describe political defections, a remark perceived as targeting Shinde. The video was widely shared on social media, drawing the ire of Shiv Sena workers, who stormed the club and damaged property.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut shared the clip on X, captioning it “Kunal Ka Kamal.” Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske issued a strong warning to Kamra, stating, “You will be forced to flee India.” Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel also filed a police complaint against the comedian, vowing to “show Kamra his level” unless he apologized.
The Habitat’s Response
Following the attack, The Habitat released a statement expressing shock and distress. “We urge constructive conversations, not destruction, to address disagreements. We do not support hate or harm of any kind,” the statement read. The club distanced itself from Kamra’s views, emphasizing that it merely provides a platform for performers and does not dictate content.
However, the rising tensions have forced The Habitat to shut down indefinitely. “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,” the venue stated.
Political Reactions
The incident has further deepened political fault lines in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena MP Mhaske alleged that Kamra was working at the behest of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to malign Shinde. In contrast, Aaditya Thackeray condemned the vandalism, calling it an act of cowardice. “Mindhe’s coward gang breaks the comedy show stage where @kunalkamra88 put out a song on Eknath Mindhe, which was 100 per cent true,” he posted on X.
Ongoing Investigation
Mumbai police have confirmed that an investigation is underway based on Patel’s complaint and the vandalism at The Habitat. The controversy has once again highlighted the challenges faced by artists and comedians in expressing political satire in India, raising concerns over freedom of speech and creative expression.
With The Habitat shutting its doors for now, Mumbai’s comedy scene faces a significant setback, leaving artists and audiences questioning the limits of satire in the current political climate.
Sources By Agencies
