NEW DELHI: BJP MP from Mandi Kangana Ranaut on Tuesday criticised comedian Kunal Kamra over his remarks on Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde, questioning the state of society where such comments are made “for two minutes of fame.”

Ranaut said, “We should think where society is heading when someone does this only for 2 minutes of fame. You might be anyone, but insulting and defaming someone. A person for whom his/her respect is everything, and you insult and disregard them.”
“Who are these people, and what are their credentials? If they can write, they should do so in literature…Abusing people and our culture in the name of comedy. This has been done legally, but what had been done (demolishing of her bungalow) to me was illegally done,” Ranaut added further.
The controversy
The controversy erupted after Kamra parodied a song from Dil Toh Pagal Hai, calling Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor), triggering protests and vandalism by Shinde-led Shiv Sena workers. During his show, Kamra remarked, “Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye.”
He also took a dig at Maharashtra’s political turmoil, saying, “Shiv Sena first came out of BJP, then Shiv Sena came out of Shiv Sena. NCP came out of NCP, they gave nine buttons to one voter… everyone got confused.”
Following the backlash, an FIR was registered against Kamra, and Khar Police issued him a summons. Meanwhile, 12 Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers were arrested, and a case was filed against 40 others for vandalizing Habitat Studio, where Kamra performed. The BMC also arrived at the venue to demolish an “illegal” portion of the studio. However, the owners requested time to dismantle it themselves.
Amid the row, Habitat Studio announced a temporary shutdown, stating, “We are shocked, worried, and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us.” It distanced itself from Kamra’s comments, adding, “The Habitat is not involved in the making of the recent video of Kunal Kamra and does not endorse the views expressed in it.”
Political reactions
The controversy escalated into a political war of words. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis slammed Kamra, demanding an apology and vowing “strictest possible action.” He said, “Kamra’s aim was to belittle Shinde in the eyes of the people. The opposition is supporting such talk, and one wonders whether Kamra is hand-in-glove with them.”
Fadnavis further warned, “When you attack the freedom of others, your freedom is restricted. If you insult people on constitutional posts to create disturbances by taking supari (contract) to get publicity, it will not be tolerated… Strict action will be taken as per law.”
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray defended Kamra, stating, “Kamra merely expressed his views. He stated the facts and voiced public opinion.” He added, “Kamra hasn’t done anything wrong… These traitors don’t see Solapurkar and Koratkar, who insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”
Kamra stands his ground
Refusing to back down, Kamra said he would not apologise and dismissed the threats against him. “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, and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” he asserted.
As the controversy rages on, all eyes are now on the police action against Kamra and the response from the state government.