Comedian Faces FIRs and Venue Destruction Over Politically Charged Video
New Delhi/Mumbai, April 1 – Comedian Kunal Kamra on Tuesday took to social media to voice his outrage against the escalating backlash over his latest comedy video, Naya Bharat, which has stirred political controversy and legal action. In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Kamra published a five-point satirical guide titled "How to Kill an Artist: A Step-by-Step Guide", highlighting what he described as a systematic attempt to silence dissenting voices in the arts.Political Firestorm Over 'Naya Bharat' Video
Kamra’s video, which premiered last week on YouTube and has already amassed over 11 million views, sparked widespread outrage, particularly over a remark interpreted as a jibe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The backlash escalated when members of the Shiv Sena vandalised the venue where the show was filmed. The comedian now faces three FIRs in Maharashtra and is currently in Tamil Nadu, staying away from Mumbai."This Isn’t Just a Playbook, It’s a Political Weapon": Kamra
In his post, Kamra described the five steps of what he sees as a deliberate campaign against independent artists:Kamra concluded his post by asserting that artists are left with only two choices in such an environment:"How to Kill an Artist: A Step-by-Step Guide"
- Outrage – just enough for brands to stop commissioning their work.
- Outrage more – until private and corporate gigs dry up.
- Outrage louder – so big venues won’t take the risk.
- Outrage violently – until even the smallest spaces shut their doors.
- Summon their audience for questioning – turning art into a crime scene.
“Sell their soul and become a dollar puppet or wither in silence. This isn’t just a playbook, it’s a political weapon. A silencing machine.”
Police Deny Summoning Audience Members
Reports had surfaced that people who attended Kamra’s show were issued notices by the police, but a police official refuted these claims, stating, “This is wrong information.”Kamra Skips Police Summons, Mocks Visit to Old Address
Meanwhile, Kamra failed to appear before the Khar Police Station in relation to a case filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. A police team visited his registered address in Mahim, only to discover he no longer resides there.Responding on X, Kamra mocked the visit:
An official confirmed that this was the second time Kamra had been summoned. The three FIRs registered against him in Nashik Rural, Jalgaon, and Nandgaon have since been transferred to the Khar police.“Going to an address where I haven't lived for the last 10 years is a waste of your time & public resources.”
Refuses to Apologise
Despite mounting legal and political pressure, Kamra remains defiant and has not issued an apology for the video.
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