Mumbai, India – Kunal Kamra is dominating conversations on X due to a major controversy sparked by a recent stand-up performance in Mumbai. During a show at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Kamra mocked Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling him a “gaddar” (traitor) in a parody song set to the tune of Dil To Pagal Hai.
The jibe referenced Shinde’s 2022 defection from the undivided Shiv Sena, a politically charged event that led to his rise as Deputy CM. A video clip of the performance, shared by Kamra himself on X, went viral, amassing over 360,000 views and igniting a firestorm of reactions.
The fallout was swift and intense. On March 23, 2025, Shiv Sena workers, enraged by the remarks, vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club and Hotel Unicontinental in Khar, where the show was recorded.
The incident led to an FIR being filed against Kamra at Mumbai’s MIDC police station by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who demanded an apology within 48 hours, threatening to restrict Kamra’s movement in Mumbai if he didn’t comply. Another FIR was registered against Shiv Sena members, including Yuva Sena general secretary Rahool Kanal, for the vandalism.
Shiv Sena leaders escalated the situation with public threats. MP Naresh Mhaske warned that Kamra “won’t move freely in India” without an apology, alleging he was a “hired comedian” paid by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray to target Shinde. Sanjay Nirupam, another Sena leader, promised to “teach Kamra a lesson” on March 24 at 11 AM. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) figures like Sanjay Raut and Aaditya Thackeray supported Kamra, with Raut calling it “Kunal Ka Kamal” and Thackeray labeling the vandalism “cowardly.”
Kamra’s response was characteristically defiant. On March 24, he posted a photo on X of himself holding a pocket edition of the Indian Constitution, captioned, “The only way forward,” signaling his intent to stand by his free speech rights. The incident has polarized X users, with some praising his courage and others condemning his provocation, fueling debates about comedy, politics, and censorship in India.
Who is Kunal Kamra?
Kunal Kamra is an Indian stand-up comedian, social media personality, and outspoken critic of political figures and policies. Born on October 3, 1988, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Kamra initially worked in advertising before transitioning to comedy in 2013.
He gained prominence through his sharp political satire and observational humor, often targeting government policies, politicians, and societal issues. His YouTube channel, with over 2.29 million subscribers, features popular shows like Shut Up Ya Kunal, where he interviews public figures and discusses contentious topics.
Kamra’s comedic style is unapologetically bold, blending humor with biting commentary, which has earned him a loyal fanbase as well as significant controversy. Over the years, he has faced legal battles, including a contempt of court case in 2020 over tweets criticizing the Indian judiciary, and has been banned from several airlines after a verbal altercation with a news anchor on a flight. His global performances and online presence have solidified his reputation as a provocative yet influential figure in Indian comedy.
what is the Zero FIR filed against him?
A Zero FIR (First Information Report) is a type of FIR that can be filed at any police station, regardless of the location where the alleged offense occurred. Unlike a regular FIR, which is filed at the police station with jurisdiction over the crime scene, a Zero FIR is assigned a “zero” serial number and is later transferred to the appropriate police station for investigation. This mechanism, introduced in India following the 2013 Justice Verma Committee recommendations, ensures that victims or complainants can report a crime immediately without jurisdictional delays.
The Zero FIR Against Kunal Kamra
On March 24, 2025, the MIDC police station in Mumbai registered a Zero FIR against Kunal Kamra following a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. This legal action stemmed from Kamra’s stand-up comedy performance at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Mumbai, on March 23, 2025. During the show, Kamra performed a parody song set to the tune of Dil To Pagal Hai’s “Bholi Si Surat,” in which he indirectly referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). The remark alluded to Shinde’s 2022 defection from the undivided Shiv Sena, a politically sensitive topic that led to the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.
The viral video of this performance, posted by Kamra on X and YouTube (titled Naya Bharat), triggered outrage among Shinde’s supporters. Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club and Hotel Unicontinental in Khar on March 23, prompting dual legal actions: one against Kamra and another against the vandals.
Details of the Zero FIR
- Filed By: Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel lodged the complaint at MIDC police station around 11 PM on March 23, 2025.
- Legal Basis: The Zero FIR was registered under the following sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s new criminal code effective from July 1, 2024:
- Section 353(1)(b): Publishing or circulating false statements or rumors that may cause public mischief.
- Section 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace.
- Section 356(2): Defamation, defined as making or publishing an imputation intending to harm someone’s reputation.
- Reason: Patel accused Kamra of defaming Eknath Shinde by making derogatory statements about his moral conduct and inciting hatred between political factions, specifically the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT).
- Transfer: The Zero FIR was initially filed at MIDC police station (not the jurisdictional station) and was formally transferred to Khar police station, which oversees the area where the comedy show took place, for further investigation.
Why a Zero FIR?
The use of a Zero FIR in this case likely reflects practical or tactical considerations. Patel filed the complaint late at night at MIDC police station, possibly due to proximity or urgency, rather than waiting to approach Khar police station directly. The Zero FIR ensured immediate registration, allowing the legal process to begin without delay, after which it was transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction.
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