‘I will not apologise’: Kunal Kamra takes shot at ‘mob & politicians’ in first reaction to ‘gaddar’ joke row | India News

NEW DELHI: Stand-up comic Kunal Kamra on Monday responded to the controversy sparked by his present at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio. “I will not apologise,” Kamra asserted in his first reaction, taking intention at the “mob and politicians” over the backlash to his joke.
The uproar stemmed from a phase the place he parodied a preferred Hindi track from Dil Toh Pagal Hai, referring to Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor).
The incident led to chaotic protests and vandalism by Shinde-led Sena celebration staff.
Taking to X, Kamra posted a collection of statements addressing folks concerned in it. Targeting “mob” for studio’s vandalism, Kamra mentioned, “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.”

“Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise,” he added in his response to the “political leaders”.
Kamra additional questioned whether or not the regulation could be utilized equally to those that vandalised the venue, stating: “However, I am willing to co-operate 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.”
Addressing these leaking his private contact particulars, he mentioned: “To those who are busy leaking my number or calling me incessantly: I am sure you’ve realised 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 apologise. 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.”
Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s junior dwelling minister, Yogesh Kadam, introduced in the state meeting that Kamra’s name data and monetary transactions could be examined.
“Call recordings along with CDRs, as well as bank statements of comedian Kunal Kamra, will also be checked. We will find out who is behind this,” Kadam said, as reported by ANI.
Earlier, Shiv Sena chief Sanjay Nirupam alleged that the rival Uddhav Sena had funded Kamra’s Mumbai present the place the controversial comment was made.