Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has strongly criticized the recent demolition of a studio in Mumbai, following protests by supporters of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The venue, Habitat Studio, became the target of political outrage after Kamra made satirical remarks about Shinde, leading to a demonstration that quickly escalated.
Taking to social media platform X, Kamra expressed his dismay over the attack, stating that a performance venue is merely a neutral platform and holds no control over a comedian’s content. He likened the act of targeting the studio to blaming a delivery truck for dissatisfaction with a meal.
“An entertainment venue is just a space for different performances. Habitat, or any other venue, does not dictate my material, nor does any political party. Destroying a venue because of a comedian’s words is as irrational as destroying a truck carrying vegetables just because you disliked your dinner,” Kamra remarked.
The comedian also addressed the threats he has been receiving from political leaders, emphasizing that freedom of speech is not meant only for praising those in power. He argued that his right to satire remains intact despite the backlash.
My Statement – pic.twitter.com/QZ6NchIcsM
— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) March 24, 2025
“Freedom of expression is not reserved for sycophancy, no matter how much today’s media tries to portray it that way. A politician’s inability to take a joke doesn’t redefine my right to comment on public figures and the political landscape,” Kamra stated.
He further questioned whether the law would be applied impartially, criticizing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for what he described as selective enforcement.
“I am prepared to cooperate with law enforcement regarding any legitimate legal action. However, will the same legal system hold accountable those who resorted to vandalism because they were offended by a joke? And what about the unelected BMC officials who arrived without prior notice and tore down the venue with hammers?” he asked.
In a sarcastic twist, Kamra suggested that his next performance might take place at the Elphinstone bridge, an infamous site of a tragic stampede in 2017 that claimed 23 lives. The bridge had long been identified as unsafe, with citizens calling for its demolition well before the incident.
Addressing the harassment he has faced, Kamra also called out individuals who have been leaking his phone number and making incessant calls.
“To those leaking my number or spamming my phone: all unknown calls go straight to voicemail, where you’ll be greeted by a song that you despise,” he quipped.
Taking a dig at the media, he reminded journalists of India’s low ranking in global press freedom, standing firm in his refusal to apologize. He pointed out that his controversial remarks were not unlike statements made by political figures themselves.
“India ranks 159 in press freedom. I won’t apologize. My words echoed exactly what Ajit Pawar said about Eknath Shinde. I don’t fear this mob, and I certainly won’t be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to pass,” Kamra asserted.
The demolition, executed by the BMC, followed the ransacking of the Habitat Studio and the Unicontinental Hotel premises by Shiv Sena workers on Sunday night. Officials claimed that the studio, set up in the hotel’s basement, lacked civic authorization.
A BMC representative stated, “The structure was removed as it did not have the necessary permissions for a basement studio. Further inspections will be conducted to ensure the hotel complies with its approved building plan.”
Earlier that day, Habitat Studio announced its closure, expressing heartbreak over the events. In an Instagram statement, the venue conveyed its distress, saying, “We are shocked, deeply worried, and utterly devastated by the acts of vandalism targeted at us.”
